Celtic’s interest in FC Basel winger Philip Otele has taken on a new angle as developments in Switzerland suggest the player’s situation is being carefully managed ahead of a possible move.
The Nigerian winger only joined Basel on a permanent deal six months ago after leaving Al-Wahda in Saudi Arabia. Despite that recent move, there is already growing belief that his time in Switzerland could be short.
Interest from clubs across Europe has gathered pace, and Celtic are understood to be among those who have made an initial check on his availability.
Basel are preparing to return to league action this weekend following the winter break. However, reports now suggest Otele is not training fully with the main group.
Instead, he is said to be working separately, with the intention of avoiding any injury that could complicate a potential transfer before the window closes. While that does not confirm a deal is close, it does point to movement behind the scenes.
Otele is currently valued at around £6 million, which would place him firmly in the upper bracket of Celtic’s usual January spending.
That valuation reflects his output this season, where he has delivered 13 goal contributions across domestic and European competitions. Basel are aware of that interest and appear open to listening, even if they are not actively pushing him out.
From a Celtic point of view, the link fits with a wider pattern this month. The club have been connected with several attackers, including strikers and wide players, as Martin O’Neill looks to add quality and depth during a demanding second half of the season.
The need for reinforcements has been clear in recent performances, where the margins have been tight and options limited.
However, Otele’s profile raises an important question about squad balance. Celtic’s current shortage is not evenly spread across the pitch.
On the right side, Hyun-jun Yang and James Forrest are effectively the only natural wide options available. Both have been relied upon heavily, and injuries or loss of form in that area would leave Celtic stretched.
Otele, though, is primarily a left-sided player. The majority of his senior career has been spent operating on the left wing or left midfield, where he is most comfortable driving inside and attacking defenders.
He has featured on the right on occasion and has also filled in through the middle, but those appearances make up a smaller portion of his overall game time.
That context matters. Celtic are not desperately short of left-sided attackers, which makes the right wing a more pressing concern.
While Otele’s versatility could offer cover across the front line, he does not naturally address the most obvious gap in the squad. Any move for him would likely be about overall quality rather than position-specific need.
There is also the question of timing. With Basel managing his workload and keeping him away from full contact sessions, it suggests they are protecting an asset rather than planning around him long term. That approach often appears when a club expects bids or serious talks to arrive.
For Celtic, the coming days will be important. January windows can move quickly once the first deal is done, and interest does not always lead to action. Much will depend on whether Celtic view Otele as a priority or simply one option among many being assessed.
The wider picture remains clear. Celtic need attacking additions to maintain pressure in the title race and to cope with the volume of games ahead. Whether Otele becomes part of that plan will depend on cost, role, and how well he fits into what O’Neill wants from his wide players.
For now, Otele’s situation at Basel suggests a player in transition. Training alone, being protected from risk, and attracting interest all point towards a possible move.
Celtic are watching, but whether they move from enquiry to action remains to be seen.
