Celtic near major two-player swoop with first signing agreed and second gathering pace

Celtic are preparing to make an eye-catching start to the January transfer window, with sources indicating the club is on the brink of securing two attacking signings as they look to reignite their season.

Following a turbulent spell that culminated in the dismissal of Wilfried Nancy, the Hoops have turned once again to Martin O’Neill, who has stepped in as interim manager until the end of the campaign. With a six-point deficit to Scottish Premiership leaders Hearts, Celtic are determined to strengthen their squad quickly and decisively in an effort to revive their title challenge.

Insiders have confirmed that Celtic are close to completing a permanent deal worth around £2 million for highly rated Ivorian winger Jocelin Ta Bi, while discussions are also advancing for Uruguay international Ignacio “Nacho” Laquintana. The two wide players are viewed as priority additions, with the club keen to inject pace, creativity and unpredictability into their attacking play.

Ta Bi, just 20 years old, has emerged as one of Celtic’s most imminent arrivals. The young winger, currently contracted to Maccabi Netanya, has caught the club’s attention during a productive loan spell at Hapoel Petah Tikva, where his performances have impressed scouts and analysts alike. Sources close to the deal suggest an agreement has already been reached, with the player expected to travel for a medical in the coming days.

Celtic see Ta Bi as a player with both immediate impact potential and significant long-term upside. His pace, direct dribbling style and willingness to take on defenders are qualities the Hoops believe have been missing at key moments this season. Under O’Neill’s guidance, the club hopes the youngster can adapt quickly to Scottish football while continuing his development.

The timing of Ta Bi’s arrival is considered crucial. Celtic have endured an inconsistent campaign, with form dipping sharply during Nancy’s brief reign. O’Neill’s return, marking his third spell in charge at Parkhead, has been welcomed by supporters eager for stability and clarity. Reinforcements in attacking areas are seen as vital if Celtic are to maintain momentum in the second half of the season.

Alongside the expected arrival of Ta Bi, Celtic are also pushing ahead with plans to bring in Laquintana from Brazilian side Red Bull Bragantino. The 26-year-old Uruguayan international offers a different profile: more experienced, tactically mature, and capable of operating across the front line. Talks reportedly gathered pace over the weekend, with the player understood to be enthusiastic about the prospect of a move to Glasgow.

Sources indicate Celtic are exploring a loan deal that would include an option or obligation to buy, a structure that would allow O’Neill to assess Laquintana’s suitability while retaining flexibility in the summer. Such an arrangement is viewed as financially prudent, particularly as the club balances short-term ambition with longer-term planning.

Laquintana’s versatility is a major factor behind Celtic’s interest. Comfortable on either wing and capable of contributing defensively as well as offensively, he could offer O’Neill tactical flexibility as the Hoops look to regain consistency. His international experience with Uruguay is also seen as a valuable asset in a squad that has sometimes lacked composure during pressure moments this season.

Should both deals be completed, Celtic would significantly strengthen their options out wide, an area that has been identified internally as a weakness. Injuries, inconsistency and a lack of cutting edge have hampered the team’s attacking rhythm, particularly against well-organised opponents.

O’Neill’s presence has added urgency to the club’s recruitment plans. The veteran manager is well aware of the expectations that come with the role, even in an interim capacity, and understands the importance of making an immediate impact. Fresh signings early in the window would give him time to integrate new players and establish a clearer identity ahead of a demanding run of fixtures.

For supporters, the prospect of two attacking arrivals represents a statement of intent. Despite recent upheaval behind the scenes, Celtic appear determined to remain competitive in the title race and avoid allowing the gap at the top to widen further.

With negotiations progressing smoothly and at least one deal reportedly already agreed, announcements could follow soon. If Celtic manage to finalise both signings, it would mark a confident and ambitious opening to the January window — and provide O’Neill with new tools as he attempts to steer the club back toward success.