Celtic Transfer News Today: Chelsea striker interest confirmed as €7m deal discussed

Tom Weber

• Updated: 14 Jan 2026 10:42 CST
• 6 min read

News

All the latest Celtic transfer news in one place, including updates on David Datro Fofana, Philip Otele and Jocelin Ta Bi.

O'Neill makes transfer admission

Interim boss Martin O'Neill has admitted Celtic are scrambling to complete January business following the sacking of Wilfried Nancy. The 73-year-old did not expect to be brought back in and therefore had no January plans in place when he arrived.

“I agree, it is vital to get players in, I’m well aware and I’m not going to minimise it,” O’Neill said. “I promise I am not sitting on my backside; I’m trying my best. I’d be very hopeful of bringing a few in. I am in the process of looking at these.

“Away back in my first spell as manager, I had time to do that before I was bringing people in. I had that all prepared. Unfortunately, it’s me, and I haven’t got this prepared now at this minute. Because I had Christmas at home, not expecting this.”

Celtic reignite Fofana interest

Celtic have reignited their interest in forgotten Chelsea striker David Datro Fofana, according to transfer insider Fabrizio Romano. The Hoops already attempted to do a deal in the summer, but the transfer fell through late in the window.

Fofana is currently on loan at Karagumruk in Turkey, but Chelsea are planning to permanently get him off the books this month. The 23-year-old has scored a respectable seven goals in 14 appearances so far this term.

However, Celtic are not the only side interested. Derby County and Royal Antwerp have also made it clear that they are keen on the Ivorian, according to Romano.

Celtic enquire about Otele

Ben Jacobs reports that Celtic have made an enquiry about Basel winger Philip Otele, who is expected to leave the Swiss club this month after an impressive first half of the season.

The Nigerian has recorded eight goals and three assists this season. Interest in him has been increasing in recent week, with Celtic the latest club to express an interest.

Jacobs claims that Basel have budged from their initial asking price and are now willing to sell Otele for as little as €7m. Birmingham City, Wolves, Lazio and Bournemouth are also in for him.

Celtic join Bowie race

Celtic have joined the race for in-form Hibs striker Kieron Bowie, The Herald reports. The 23-year-old is also being chased by arch-rivals Rangers.

Hibs are hesitant to sell their star forward and have reportedly slapped a hefty €7.5m asking price on his head. With Kyogo Furuhashi's rumoured return looking increasingly unlikely, Bowie has been mentioned as a potential alternative.

Hibs are aware of the interest in Bowie but believe that they are in a strong position to keep hold of him.

What's going on with Ta Bi?

Celtic have still not officially closed the door on signing Maccabi Netanya youngster Jocelin Ta Bi. The Hoops agreed a deal last week, and the 20-year-old publicly confirmed his delight at moving to Parkhead.

The pro-Palestinian Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions movement called on Celtic to abandon the signing, and on Monday, it was reported that the deal had stalled due to unsatisfactory medical results.

However, on Tuesday, reports claimed that Sunderland were closing in on a transfer, casting doubt on the fitness argument. In another twist, Ta Bi's agent has now dismissed links with the Black Cats. Instead, the youngster will see a specialist in London, with his move to Celtic still possible.

Ta Bi alternatives

The uncertain surrounding Ta Bi has seen Celtic explore potential alternatives. In addition to the aforementioned Otele, Celtic have also held talks with Red Bull Bragantino winger Ignacio Laquintana, according to Sky Sports.

Another name that has been sounded out is Lorient striker Mohamed Bamba. The Ivorian has struggled for form this season and was recently suspended by the Ligue 1 club for repeated disciplinary problems.

However, Bamba has now been brought back into the fold because of injuries to other key players. This, by extension, means that Lorient are reluctant to let him go this month.

Andersen price tag set

Celtic have been told that they need to offer BK Hacken a club-record fee if they want to sign star midfielder Silas Andersen. Sporting director Martin Ericsson has confirmed that he will not let the Denmark youth international walk away cheaply.

This means that Celtic will have to offer a fee in excess of €7.25m, which is the Swedish club's current record sale. Ideally, Hacken would like to keep hold of Andersen beyond this window.

The 21-year-old has also been drawing attention from Rangers and Arsenal, but Ericsson insists that no concrete offers have as yet been made for the talent.

Celtic warned off Wilson deal

West Ham striker Callum Wilson has been touted as a potential option for Celtic, but former Bhoys star Simon Donnelly believes that it would be a very risky signing.

Wilson is expected to have his contract terminated by the Hammers this month, which would make him available on a free transfer. However, Donnelly is worried that his fitness could prove an issue. “I think quality-wise, he'd definitely bring something to the Celtic team," he said.

"The concern for me is the fitness. We've looked at [Kelechi] Iheanacho coming in and I think he's looked like a player when fit. But he's not been fit anywhere near enough times for Celtic, picking up hamstring injuries. That would be my concern for Callum Wilson as well.”

The FootballTransfers app

Check out FootballTransfers' new app for all of football's big storylines, transfer rumours and exclusive news in one convenient place directly on your mobile device.

The FootballTransfers app is available in the Apple App Store. Download here:

•App Store