Who is Elias Filet? Everything you need to know about Celtic’s latest striker target
Celtic are looking to win the race to goal-machine Elias Filet this month as Martin O’Neill accelerates his plans to improve his frontline.
Reports have emerged that a video conference between representatives of the Scottish club and the striker’s agent took place on Tuesday.
Celtic are keen on reaching a contractual agreement with the 24-year-old before they begin negotiations with FC Aarau.
The Hoops have reportedly accelerated their pursuit of Filet, who netted 20 goals in the Swiss Challenge League this season.
This helped FC Aarau finish second in the Swiss second-tier. However, they would go on to lose in the playoffs to Grasshoppers.
Below, Football Insider has explored everything you need to know about Celtic’s latest target in what could be an exciting addition for the club this summer.
Everything you need to know about Elias Filet
Filet was born in France in 2002 and eventually came from the academy of Ligue 2 side FC Sochaux-Montbeliard.
However, the six-foot-one-inch forward could not break into the first team despite his clinical nature in the academy, which eventually resulted in him leaving for Football Club Progres Niederkorn in 2022.
At the Luxembourgian side, he was an instant hit, smashing in 20 goals in 29 matches in the top-flight, which helped the club qualify for the Europa Conference League.
His stay at Football Club Progres Niederkorn did not last long as Nogometni klub Istra 1961 signed Filet ahead of the 2023-24 campaign.
However, in the Croatian top-flight, he struggled and netted just six times in 36 matches.
Eventually, he would be given the chance to revive his career at FC Aarau, which the striker would undoubtedly take.
Filet’s 20-goal record saw him finish as the second top scorer in the division, while also winning the Swiss Challenge League Player of the Season.
Therefore, it is of little surprise that Sky Sports reported on 10 June that KRC Genk, Celtic and FC Lorient are all chasing the attacker this summer.
Currently, Filet’s contract is set to expire in 2027, which could present a potential bargain for one of the clubs.
How good is Filet?
According to Fotmob on 10 June, many of Filet’s stats were excellent this season.
The striker averaged 0.76 goals, 3.00 shots, 0.19 assists, 1.21 chances created, 7.96 aerial duels won and 6.52 touches in the opposition box per 90 minutes in the Swiss Challenge League.
If this can be replicated in the Scottish Premiership, it would make him one of the league’s deadliest strikers.
However, it remains to be seen if the Hoops are able to strike a deal over the coming months.