Celtic identify PROLIFIC striker as first January signing

Celtic will target a move for Columbus Crew striker Wessam Abou Ali in the January transfer window once the appointment of Wilfried Nancy is confirmed.

Nancy, 48, has been identified as the preferred choice to become the next permanent Celtic manager, with the Bhoys hierarchy eager to finalise a deal shortly.

Martin O’Neill has been in interim charge since the resignation of Brendan Rodgers on 27 October, but he is unlikely to be given the job on a permanent basis, with Nancy expected to be appointed in the coming weeks.

The Frenchman has been in talks over becoming the new Celtic boss for several weeks, although a deal has not yet been finalised amid advanced negotiations with his current club Columbus Crew.

Multiple sources indicate that an agreement is likely to be reached before the end of 2025 and The Sun state that Nancy will look to raid Columbus Crew for Abou Ali in the upcoming January transfer window once his appointment has been confirmed.

Celtic target new striker

Abou Ali has scored three goals and provided one assist in five matches for Columbus Crew since joining the club from Egyptian side Al-Ahly in July, although he has missed the last seven matches through an ankle injury.

The Palestine international notably scored a hat-trick against Porto at this summer’s Club World Cup before his move to Columbus Crew and Celtic have reportedly identified him as a top striker target for January, despite his current injury absence.

The Hoops are expected to sign a new centre forward during the winter window and Abou Ali has emerged as a possible signing, with Nancy keen to bring the striker with him when he arrives at Celtic Park from Columbus Crew.

It comes following news that Daizen Maeda could be sold by Celtic in January after his failed move away from the club over the summer.

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