Celtic have reportedly made an offer for a striker, a key moment in what has been a long wait for attacking reinforcements this January.
Interim manager Martin O’Neill has repeatedly said he hopes to have new players in before Celtic’s trip to face league leaders Hearts at Tynecastle next Sunday, a match that now looks even more pivotal with several key Hearts players set to miss out.
According to reports from France, the Hoops have submitted a loan offer with an option to buy for a 24‑year‑old Ivorian striker, Mohamed Bamba, currently playing in Ligue 1.
If the deal is agreed, the forward could be through the door before Celtic travel to Edinburgh, giving him the chance to train with the squad ahead of the big clash.
Even if the signing is completed before Thursday, he would not be eligible for UEFA competition this month. Both the new striker and Julian Araujo would miss out on registration for Celtic’s Europa League squad, meaning their first European opportunities won’t come until the next round, if Celtic make it.
The Ivorian target has had a quiet campaign in France, scoring once in 16 Ligue 1 appearances so far.
Sport.fr report that Celtic’s offer includes the loan with an option to buy structure the club has favoured this window, giving Celtic flexibility while limiting financial risk.
With Hearts next on the agenda, after the European trip, Celtic will be hoping this target arrives quickly, settles in and begins to contribute because goals and options up front remain essential if the Hoops are to maintain their title challenge and progress on multiple fronts.
