Celtic are shaping up for a busy January transfer window, with reinforcements expected across several areas of the squad. According to one agent, though, the club may already be well advanced on a specific attacking option.
That player is winger Ta Bi, and his agent Stav Hachmon has confirmed that talks are ongoing. Belgian side Genk are also in the mix, along with the clubs that currently hold the player’s contract.
Ta Bi is an Ivory Coast attacker who mainly plays off the right but can also operate as an attacking midfielder or second striker. He is contracted to Beitar Tubruk until 2028 and was loaned out at the start of the season to Hapoel Petah Tikva. His performances there have quickly drawn attention from outside Israel.
The 20 year old has had his season disrupted by an ankle injury, although he is expected back within the next couple of weeks. Despite that setback, both Celtic and Genk have maintained their interest, with medical assurances now playing a central role in negotiations.
Any January move is far from straightforward. Both clubs would need to agree a deal with Beitar Tubruk as the parent club, while also compensating Hapoel Petah Tikva for ending the loan early.
Speaking to Sport 5, Hachmon revealed that Genk have so far taken the stronger financial position.
“The offer is €2.8 million, with Tubruk receiving 20 percent of the sale after reimbursement of expenses. Hapoel Petah Tikva is asking for between €600k and €1 million as compensation for the player leaving in January,” he said.
Celtic’s approach follows a more familiar pattern. Rather than matching the Belgian club’s up front valuation, the Scottish champions are exploring a lower initial fee combined with a sell on clause. If anybody knows anything about Celtic, if they really want a player they’ll still draw things out as much as possible.
“Celtic are talking but willing to pay less and leave Netanya a percentage of a future sale,” Hachmon explained. “Talks are continuing even though the player is injured, and both Genk and Celtic want reassurance that this injury will not delay his return.”
The agent also confirmed that the player himself is keen to make the move.
“In any case, Petah Tikva is aware of the offer that was submitted, as the player feels ready to step up to a higher league.”
From Celtic’s perspective, the profile fits neatly. A young, versatile attacker with positional flexibility and clear resale potential, identified before his value rises further. The key question is whether they are willing to stretch financially to beat Genk to his signature, or whether sticking to their usual model risks missing out.
With January approaching and attacking depth on the agenda, this is one deal that already feels further along than most.
However, this does not scream a club looking to really ad quality to the side and looks more like another punt.
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One Response
Anther cheap project!