Huge Positive Update In Celtic’s Chase For French Attacker: Why O’Neill Must Bolster This Side Of The Attack

If a recent update from Sky Sports’ journalist Anthony Joseph is believed to be true, Celtic have identified Frosinone winger Fares Ghedjemis as one of the winter targets for the wide attacking role. They are in talks with the Serie B side, who have set their sights on Mantua’s Davide Bragantini as a potential replacement for the young attacker.

Infact, Frosinoe’s head coach has admitted he can’t guarantee the player will still be at the club when the transfer window ends.

The 23-year-old Frenchman progressed through the academy ranks of Troyes before being roped in by Le Havre for their reserves. He then had his stints with Évreux and Vannes in the fourth tier, and the latter’s relegation earned him a Bosman switch to Rouen, who were competing in the third division of French football.

His flair and finesse caught the attention of Frosinone a couple of years back. He plied his trade in Serie A for €300,000, but failed to avoid relegation six months later.

REGGIO NELL’EMILIA, ITALY – MARCH 09: Fares Ghedjemis of Frosinone Calcio and Gregoire Defrel of US Sassuolo during the Serie A TIM match between US Sassuolo and Frosinone Calcio – Serie A TIM at Mapei Stadium – Citta’ del Tricolore on March 09, 2024 in Reggio nell’Emilia, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Scaccianoce/Getty Images)

Meanwhile, his gametime increased in Serie B, and the Canaries are now leading the league standings after 21 gameweeks. Ghedjemis is flying high with 8 goals and 2 assists, and his departure could jeopardise their top-flight return, unless the club snap up an able alternative.

Why Celtic Must Bolster The Right-hand Side Of Their Attack

Celtic, like summer, have monitored multiple names throughout the window. But they failed to get them over the line, other than two short-term loan signings in Julián Araujo and Tomáš Čvančara. The squad need further reinforcements to stay in the Premiership title race, particularly in attack, due to the form and fitness woes of several first-team stars.

Although they signed Sebastian Tounekti and Michel-Ange Balikwisha early in the campaign, the wastefulness and lack of productivity of the left-wing pair have forced O’Neill to shift Daizen Maeda down the wide following Čvančara’s arrival. Jota’s season-ending injury has not helped them either. Also, the Hoops never replaced Nicolas Kuhn, who was a game-changer from the right-hand flank before his mega-money move to Como in July.

Meanwhile, Hyun-Jun Yang has stepped in and delivered as a right-sided attacker. He continues to be the preferred choice over James Forrest, but a club of Celtic’s stature must aim for emerging talents. Predominantly left-footed, Ghedjemis has been lethal as an inverted winger, and it remains to be seen whether the Celts secure his services ahead of Monday’s deadline.