Sources: Celtic exploring Wessam Abou Ali deal after green light
Celtic are exploring the possibility of signing Wessam Abou Ali in January after Wilfried Nancy’s appointment gets the green light.
Celtic remain in talks to appoint Nancy as their new permanent manager, just over a month after the resignation of Brendan Rodgers.
Sources told Football Insider that negotiations slowed down due to the overarching issue of compensation owed to Columbus Crew by Celtic for Nancy.
Nancy will be taking over during turbulent times at Celtic, and will be looking to potentially bring some of his Columbus Crew stars with him to the Scottish Premiership in January.
Celtic in need of striker as Abou Ali’s injury history questioned
As I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, the Frenchman will be wanting to bring in some reinforcements in the upcoming transfer window upon his arrival.
Sources told Football Insider that Celtic may consider raiding the MLS for talent in January, consideirng Nancy‘s knowledge of the league.
Speaking on the Inside Track podcast over Abou Ali possibly being one of the Hoops’ targets, I explained: “Wessam Abou Ali was signed by Nancy when he was at Columbus Crew and obviously he only joined in July this year.
“He did quite well for Al Ahly in the Club World Cup and he did quite good for Columbus Crew in the MLS as well.
“The only issue probably would be he’s had a few injury issues which maybe would place a question mark over whether Celtic would try and sign the 26-year-old Palestine striker.
“We know Celtic do need a striker. They’re so short in attacking options up front as well.
“Osmand’s out injured at the minute, Iheanacho is on his way back to full fitness. They’ve got an unsettled player in Daizen Maeda as well.
“So, Celtic have had a turn to Johnny Kenny in recent weeks under Martin O’Neill. So, it’s an area of the team that they really need to strengthen.”
Daizen Maeda sale to fund potential Abou Ali transfer
The Palestine international could be heading to Glasgow in January, yet funds will almost certainly need to be raised to finance the move.
Sources told Football Insider that Celtic could accept offers for Maeda in January.
Former Man United and Blackburn chief scout Mick Brown exclusively told Football Insider that Maeda could quit Celtic in January to move to the Premier League, with the forward becoming increasingly unhappy in Scotland.
The Japan international’s exit could certainly pave the way for Abou Ali’s arrival, bolstering the Hoops’ frontline.