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Pete O'Rourke, Transfer Correspondent

Sun 10 May 2026 20:00, UK

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Celtic could be set to miss out on signing Soufiane El-Faouzi after Premier League outfit Sunderland joined the race, sources have told Football Insider.

Both Celtic and Rangers have shown an interest in signing the 23-year-old, but may lack the financial muscle to compete with their English rivals.

Schalke are said to be reluctant to lose the midfielder this summer and it would take a significant fee to tempt them to sell, placing Sunderland in a strong position.

As I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Transfer Insider podcast, Sunderland and Brentford are both well-placed to sign El-Faouzi.

The addition of a new midfielder has become a key part of Celtic’s transfer plans, but after the latest blow in their pursuit, they may be forced to look elsewhere.

Who are the front-runners to sign Soufiane El-Faouzi?

Football Insider revealed on 8 May that Schalke will demand £10million for El-Faouzi as they are reluctant to see him leave in the summer transfer window.

The midfielder has played a key role in their promotion back to the Bundesliga, and they have no plans to lose him ahead of making the step up the divisions.

However, should clubs be given encouragement in their pursuit, his Premier League suitors would be confident of beating Scottish the giants to his signature.

Speaking on the Transfer Insider podcast, I explained: “It will be very hard for Celtic to try and prise away El-Faouzi right now.

“He’s just won promotion back to the Bundesliga with Schalke and was a key man for them in that as well with two goals and five assists for the midfielder.

“It’s not just Celtic who are showing a bit of interest in El-Faouzi.

“There’s been talk of interest from Premier League duo Brentford and Sunderland and then Bologna in Italy and Rennes in France are all interested.

“They would obviously be better placed financially to do a deal. That would make it a very hard race for Celtic to win, and Schalke’s valuation could be prohibitive for Celtic as well.

“That would make any move potentially to Celtic very difficult for them to do, not just because of price tag but also because of the competition for his signature.”

What will Celtic do if they miss out on El-Faouzi?

With the news that Celtic could be set to miss out on El-Faouzi given the level of rival interest, they will be forced to turn to their other midfield targets.

Ahead of the summer transfer window, the Hoops have already assessed a number of options to bolster in midfield amid concerns about their current crop.

Football Insider revealed on 8 May that Celtic are plotting a move for Marc Leonard after keeping a close eye on his performances for Hearts so far this season.

The Glasgow-born 24-year-old has become a key part of Derek McInnes side and is playing an important role in their ongoing push to win the Scottish Premiership.

Those displays have attracted interest from Celtic, who are keen to keep him in Scotland after his loan spell ends and he returns to Birmingham City.