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Jocelin Ta Bi on Way to Glasgow After Celtic Agree Deal
Martin O’Neill is closing in on his first Celtic signing of his latest spell in charge, with winger Jocelin Ta Bi on his way to Glasgow to complete his move, according to the Daily Record.
Reports from France earlier this week said that the Bhoys had agreed a £2m deal with Israeli club Maccabi Netanya, with the Ivorian now seemingly on his way to Scotland to finalise the transfer.
Ta Bi is expected to be the first of many January transfer window signings at Parkhead, as Celtic look to strengthen O’Neill’s squad ahead of the second half of the season as they look to recover from a disappointing opening to the campaign.
Ta Bi Set to Sign Long-Term Contract
The reports from France earlier this week suggested that Celtic had sent members of their medical staff to Israel to conduct Ta Bi’s examination, in order to get an early January deal across the line.
The African forward is expected to sign a four-and-a-half year contract at Parkhead, having chosen to join the Scottish club ahead of Stade de Reims, Charleroi and Trabzonspor.
The 20-year-old is a left-footed right-winger who is known for his speed and dribbling ability, bringing a new threat to O’Neill’s attack for the rest of the season.
Celtic have lacked depth on the right-hand side, with O’Neill playing central midfielder Luke McCowan out of position there in his previous interim spell before the appointment of Wilfried Nancy.
Ta Bi Labels Celtic Move a ‘Dream Come True’
Ahead of the move being confirmed, Ta Bi has spoken out about his proposed switch and how he is excited to play at Celtic Park in front of 60,000 passionate supporters.
The 20-year-old said:
“Playing for a club like Celtic is a dream come true for me.
“But without the support and love I received in Israel, I would not have reached these levels.
“The decision to come here and the trust I received from the club and my friends led me to progress.
“I will not forget the period I have had on loan at Hapoel Petah Tikva and the love and warmth that surrounded me.
I am going to fulfil a big dream, at a famous club and in one of the best stadiums in the world.
What Other Business Could Celtic Do?
As well as Ta Bi, Celtic are also said to have held talks over a loan-to-buy deal to sign another winger in Ignacio Laquintana, although it remains to be seen whether a move will advance following the addition of the Ivorian.
The Bhoys are also said to be looking for a long-term replacement for Kasper Schmeichel ahead of his contract expiring in the summer, with Manchester City’s Stefan Ortega a target.
The Glasgow giants are also in the market for a new striker, with the likes of Evan Ferguson and Andrej Ilic linked.
Reports on Thursday said Celtic were closing in on a deal to re-sign Kyogo Furuhashi from Birmingham City, although that has been played down by the Championship club as they look to keep him this month.
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