Sources: Celtic turn attention to new striker signing after Kyogo Furuhashi news
Celtic are targeting a move to sign Chelsea striker David Datro Fofana this month, with a return for Kyogo Furuhashi looking unlikely as it stands.
Celtic have both struggled to reach their previous heights this season, with Hearts leading the way in the Scottish Premiership as it stands.
Martin O’Neill recently returned for his second interim manager spell of the season after Wilfried Nancy’s ill-fated month in charge ended, with numerous new signings on the agenda to aid their title challenge.
They are in need of some attacking firepower in the January window, but Football Insider recently revealed that a return to Celtic for Kyogo is not on the cards after Birmingham City made the decision to keep him in their squad.
Chelsea loan man Fofana is on the Hoops’ radar, as I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, and they could move to sign him soon to bolster O’Neill’s forward options.
Celtic eyeing loan move for Fofana rather than Kyogo
Celtic’s forwards have failed to impress this season, with midfielder Benjamin Nygren their current highest scorer in the Premiership, on 10 goals after his winner at Falkirk.
Daizen Maeda has netted seven, while Johnny Kenny is on four, and Kelechi Iheanacho has scored twice in the league so far, and fans are crying out for a new striker to be signed to nail down their number nine spot.
Fofana has scored seven goals in 14 appearances while on loan at Turkish Super Lig side Fatih Karagumruk from Chelsea, with the Hoops now interested in securing his services for the second half of the season.
Speaking on the Inside Track podcast, I explained: “There were links with Fofana in the summer before he ended up moving to Turkey. We have talked previously on the podcast about Celtic’s dire need to sign a striker.
“They have been so short in that area, probably since last January when they sold Kyogo.
“It looks like they’re not going to be able to bring Kyogo back in this window as well. Fofana, he’s done well out in Turkey, scoring seven goals in 14 games in a struggling side.
“I think Martin O’Neill and Celtic really need somebody who can come in and hit the ground running, and maybe Fofana could do that.
Celtic also eyeing Callum Wilson as possible January striker signing
Their struggle for goals from attackers has seen Celtic linked to numerous strikers this month, with West Ham’s Wilson also believed to be a target.
Football Insider recently revealed that West Ham are planning to terminate Wilson’s contract, after he fell down the pecking order in attack due to the arrivals of Pablo and Taty Castellanos.
He has remained at the London Stadium for now, but Celtic have enquired about Wilson’s availability in the last few days, and he looks set to leave the Hammers regardless this month.
The Hoops will have to fend off rival interest from the likes of Everton and Ipswich, however, and so a move for Fofana could still materialise if Wilson moves elsewhere.