Celtic have reportedly moved in with an offer to sign a former Chelsea academy gem from a different Premier League side, with Martin O’Neill showing no sign of slowing down in the transfer market.
The Bhoys are currently finalizing a deal for Tomas Cvancara, who underwent his medical today, bringing long-awaited attacking depth to O’Neill’s squad.
The 25-year-old traveled to Scotland with his entourage to complete formalities on a temporary deal running till the end of the season.
O’Neill confirmed the deal’s advanced status, stating things were progressing well, during his pre-match press conference ahead of Thursday’s Europa League encounter with Bologna.
The 6 ft 3 forward is described as quick and agile rather than a traditional target man, offering different qualities to Celtic’s current options.
Celtic will shoulder Cvancara’s complete wage package while retaining an option for a permanent move. The transfer addresses Celtic’s glaring striker shortage that has frustrated supporters throughout the opening half of the campaign.
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The Czech Republic international previously spent the first half of this season on loan at Turkish club Antalyaspor, recording one goal across 11 appearances.
His Turkish stint concluded prematurely due to rumoured unpaid wages, prompting his return to parent club Borussia Mönchengladbach.
Since arriving there from Sparta Prague in July 2023, the forward has netted eight goals with two assists in 54 appearances for the Bundesliga outfit.
O’Neill expressed relief at finally securing a new forward, acknowledging his squad requires more depth, and hoping additional arrivals materialize before the window closes.
Cvancara could feature as soon as Sunday’s critical fixture at Tynecastle, but in the meantime, Celtic are continuing to make moves behind-the-scenes.
Another player they’re reportedly in for is Crystal Palace winger Jerusun Rak-Sakyi, with the Englishman still fielding proposals after his loan move to Swansea City collapsed.
The 23-year-old, who was once a Chelsea academy player before being released in 2019, was impressing on loan at Turkish side Çaykur Rizespor before the Eagles recalled him.
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According to Sky Sports in their live blog today, Celtic have come forward with an offer for Rak-Sakyi, but face competition from Stoke City and potentially Ipswich Town.
Interestingly, Sky reaffirm that Rak-Sakyi was ‘on the verge of signing’ for the Glaswegians last summer on loan, before a deal ultimately fell through on deadline day.
O’Neill’s side are currently awaiting a response to their proposal, with Oliver Glasner’s side believed to be weighing it up behind-the-scenes.
The forward, in what was his best campaign to date, managed 15 goals and nine assists on a temporary deal at Charlton Athletic in 2022/2023, with Rak-Sakyi’s performances that season earning him a League One Player of the Year award nomination.
“Jes is a joy to watch on the football pitch and some of the goals he has scored in recent weeks have been incredible,” said ex-Charlton boss Dean Holden.
“He is a pleasure to work with and I have no doubt that he will go on to showcase his talents at higher levels in the years to come.”
Rak-Sakyi also impressed at times for Sheffield United last season, racking up seven goals and two assists in 34 Championship outings, so there is every reason to believe he could be a major asset to O’Neill.
His deal expires next year too, and Celtic could potentially snap him up for a cheapish fee as a result.
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