Celtic ‘in advanced talks’ to sign forward after confirmed bid submitted
Celtic are in talks to sign Hapoel Petah Tikva attacker Jocelin Ta Bi in January, the player’s agent has confirmed.
Wilfried Nancy has been told that his side needs defensive reinforcements in January, but the Bhoys are also looking to bolster their front line.
In recent games, the Frenchman’s team have spurned chance after chance, and to detrimental effect.
Nancy was under huge pressure at Celtic after losing his opening four games in charge, including a defeat to Dundee United in which the Bhoys missed several clear-cut opportunities.
Celtic beat Aberdeen 3-1 at Parkhead last week, which has stopped the bleeding, for now, but Saturday’s trip to Livingston threatens to plunge Nancy back into crisis.
Celtic locked in negotiations over Jocelin Ta Bi
Celtic are keen to add further competition in the wide areas of their attack, with Benjamin Nygren, Hyun-jun Yang and Daizen Maeda fluctuating in form.
Reo Hatate was selected on the right of the attack for the defeat to Dundee United, but the Japan international is likely to return to the midfield once he recovers from illness.
| Jocelin Ta Bi | Ligat Ha’Al 2025-26 |
| Appearances | 12 |
| Goals | 2 |
| Assists | 2 |
| Chances created | 14 |
| Successful dribbles | 38 |
| Fouls won | 48 |
Celtic appear to have landed on Ta Bi for January, with the 20-year-old winger enjoying a good season on loan with Hapoel Petah Tikva in the Israeli first division Ligat ha’Al.
His agent, Stav Hachmon, revealed that the Bhoys have made contact over a move for the winger, but a move will not be straightforward.
Ta Bi is also the subject of interest from Belgian side Genk, who have made a bid worth around £2.4million to the player’s parent club, Maccabi Netanya.
But a deal will also have to be negotiated with Hapoel Petah Tikva, who are asking for between £500k and £900k in compensation for the winger’s departure in January.
“Celtic are talking but willing to pay less but leave Netanya a percentage of a future sale,” Hachmon told Sport 5.
“Talks are continuing even though the player is injured and both Genk and Celtic want to see that this is not an injury that will make it difficult for him to return soon.
“In any case, Petah Tikva is aware of the offer that was submitted, as the player himself feels ready to move to a higher league.”
Who is Ta Bi?
Ta Bi joined Beitar Tubruk from Ivorian club JC Abidjan in 2023, and later moved on to Maccabi Netanya in the following year.
The winger has scored two goals and has provided two assists in league competition this season.
A speedy forward, the 20-year-old is a superb dribbler and shows great composure in front of goal, often opting to take it around the goalkeeper.
Physical and quick, the youngster would seem a good fit for the Scottish Premiership, although he is understandably raw.
Completing his signing will require commitment from Celtic, however, who must see off the challenge of Genk.