Celtic have finally commenced their summer business with the arrival of Camilo Duran. The forward arrives hoping to solve their striker problem after scoring five goals in 10 Champions League games last season.
One signing could now become two in rapid-fire fashion if the Bhoys turn their interest into a formal approach for Stade Reims’ Mory Gbane. The French club are ready to let their midfielder leave on one condition this summer.
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Football FanCast’s Verdict |
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Credibility |
Celtic’s transfers could be like London buses as they welcome one before potentially welcoming another at the same time. Alas, there’s still a long way to go in the Gbane chase and the midfielder has concrete interest from more than just the Bhoys. |
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Finances |
Reims are happy to sell their midfielder, but only if clubs reach their valuation. It remains to be seen just what that number is, but that should not stop Celtic from launching contact about their towering star. |
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Insight |
Standing at 6’2, Gbane would provide a solid foundation at the base of Celtic’s midfield, having made almost six defensive contributions per game in France’s second division last season. |
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Impact |
Although Gbane is a different kind of player, it will be interesting to see whether the arrival of another midfielder accelerates an exit for Arne Engels this summer. |
Gbane is a man in demand and his side have already set their sale conditions in an instant boost for Celtic.
Celtic join race to sign Mory Gbane
According to Foot Mercato in France, Celtic are now seriously interested in signing Gbane, but are joined by West Ham United and Turkish club Trabzonspor in the race for the midfielder.
Reims are ready to green-light Gbane’s departure on the condition that clubs meet their valuation, which is expected to be a hefty sum. Whether that changes anything for chasing clubs is the big question.
It’s no secret that Celtic haven’t exactly splashed the cash freely in the last 12 months and that may not change in pursuit of Gbane.
Why Celtic should splash out on Gbane
They’ve had to be patient, but Celtic are gradually waking up in the transfer market. Duran is an excellent signing and Gbane would enter that same bracket.
The towering midfielder would provide a fix for any defensive leak and has the ability to turn defence into attack with his passing range – completing 2.94 accurate long balls per game last season. That trait, alone, should make him a top candidate to thrive under Martin O’Neill, who is not afraid to play more direct when necessary.
If Engels does depart, then swapping the Dane for a safer, more defensively secure option would be no bad thing, either. It would arguably provide balance to Celtic’s midfield, which they have been lacking over the last 12 months.
