Celtic are preparing to intensify their efforts to sign Lorient striker Mohamed Bamba, with the Scottish Premiership giants submitting a formal loan offer for the Ivorian forward.
Parkhead Squad Strengthening a Priority
The Glasgow club are in a desperate scramble to bolster their attacking options for the crucial title run-in. Manager Martin O’Neill has been vocal about the urgent need to add firepower to his squad, a point emphasised after a laboured 1-0 victory against junior side Auchinleck Talbot in the Scottish Cup on Sunday.
According to reports emerging from France, Celtic have tabled a loan bid for 24-year-old Bamba, which includes an option to make the move permanent in the summer transfer window. This potential deal highlights the club's focused search for immediate reinforcements up front.
January Striker Shortlist Narrowed Down
Celtic's recruitment efforts this month have cast a wide net, with several names linked to a move to Parkhead. The club's reported targets have included:
- West Ham’s Callum Wilson
- Hibernian star Kieron Bowie
- Chelsea’s David Datro Fofana
- Motherwell’s Tawanda Maswanhise
However, it is now understood that Bamba, alongside Fofana and Maswanhise, are considered the most likely arrivals before the transfer deadline passes. A speculated move for Leeds United forward Joel Piroe failed to materialise last week, with Elland Road chiefs reportedly baffled by Celtic's enquiry given Leeds' connections to Rangers via the 49ers Enterprises ownership group.
O'Neill Forced to Lead Recruitment Drive
The pursuit of Bampa underscores a broader issue at Celtic Park, with the club currently operating without a formal recruitment structure. The 73-year-old manager O’Neill confirmed last week that he is personally conducting much of the legwork in identifying and pursuing targets, citing a lack of in-house expertise.
Speaking on the need for new signings, O'Neill stated: ‘Hopefully we will get the players in before the end of the season. We’ve a fair idea of what we need to do [in the window] and I want to get on with it.’
With the clock ticking on the January window, Celtic's immediate focus returns to the pitch. The squad faces a pivotal clash against title rivals Hearts at Tynecastle next weekend, a match that will heighten the need for the attacking reinforcements O'Neill is striving to secure.
