Celtic to sign €7 million Winger

Celtic’s January transfer window finally appears to be stirring into life, and after a relatively quiet opening to the month, supporters will be encouraged by signs that multiple potential deals are being explored ahead of the crucial second half of the season.

The first notable development involves Jocelin Ta Bi. What initially looked like a deal in danger of collapse has been given fresh momentum after concerns arose during the player’s medical over the weekend. Rather than abandoning the move altogether, Celtic have opted to seek further clarity by sending the winger to a specialist in London for a second opinion. The club are keen to fully understand the nature of the issue that was flagged, suggesting they still see Ta Bi as a worthwhile long-term investment rather than an immediate first-team solution.

Shortly after that update, Celtic were linked with another attacking option, this time closer to home in England. Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano reported that the Hoops are among the clubs monitoring Chelsea striker David Datro Fofana. The 21-year-old is expected to depart Stamford Bridge on a permanent basis during this window, having struggled to establish himself in west London. While Celtic are not the only side interested, their inclusion in the conversation underlines a growing focus on strengthening the attacking department.

The latest report adds further weight to the sense that Celtic’s recruitment team are actively working behind the scenes. According to journalist Ben Jacobs, the Scottish champions have made an enquiry regarding FC Basel winger Philip Otele. The Nigerian international is understood to be available for a fee in the region of €7 million, roughly £6 million, and is attracting widespread attention from clubs across Europe.

Soccer Football – UEFA Europa League – KRC Genk v Basel – Cegeka Arena, Genk, Belgium – November 27, 2025 Basel’s Philip Otele celebrates scoring their first goal REUTERS/Omar Havana

Soccer Football – UEFA Europa League – Olympique Lyonnais v Basel – Groupama Stadium, Lyon, France – October 23, 2025 Basel’s Albian Ajeti, Basel’s Philip Otele, Basel’s Adrian Leon Barisic and Basel’s Moritz Broschinski during the warm up before the match REUTERS/Manon Cruz

Soccer Football – UEFA Europa League – Basel v VfB Stuttgart – St. Jakob-Park, Basel, Switzerland – October 2, 2025 Basel’s Philip Otele in action with VfB Stuttgart’s Ermedin Demirovic REUTERS/Denis Balibouse

Otele, 26, has enjoyed an impressive campaign in Switzerland, registering 13 goal contributions so far this season. His performances have reportedly convinced him that now is the right time to seek a new challenge, and he is believed to have informed Basel of his desire to move on before the window closes. That stance has naturally sparked interest from several clubs, with Wolves, Bournemouth, Birmingham City and Lazio all credited with monitoring his situation.

Celtic’s enquiry does not yet indicate an advanced move, but it does suggest that the club are assessing the feasibility of a deal. Whether they are willing to meet Basel’s valuation remains to be seen, particularly given the competition involved and the Hoops’ recent reputation for cautious spending. Still, Otele’s versatility and output make him an appealing option for a side looking to add pace, creativity and end product to wide areas.

Taken together, these developments hint at a shift in tempo at Parkhead. While none of the moves are close to completion, the fact that Celtic are simultaneously revisiting stalled deals, tracking emerging opportunities, and making fresh enquiries points to a more proactive approach as the window progresses.

There is a clear understanding among fans that quality reinforcements are needed if the team are to maintain momentum during the run-in. Injuries, inconsistency and a demanding schedule have exposed a lack of depth in certain areas, particularly in attack. Bringing in players who can make an immediate impact, while also planning for the future, will be crucial.

For now, the mood around Celtic is cautiously optimistic. The window may have started slowly, but with multiple names now in circulation and enquiries reportedly being made, there is hope that meaningful business could still be done. If today’s activity is any indication, the coming weeks could finally deliver the upgrades supporters have been waiting for.