The latest transfer updates for Celtic include a new link to a defender from Atalanta, with the hottest storyline currently revolving around Haissem Hassan. Our analysis of the past seven days shows the club has been tied to 16 possible arrivals and 12 potential exits. The following are the latest developments on the most significant transfer rumours.
Mitchel Bakker
On Thursday, Italian outlet TuttoMercatoWeb reported that Celtic are monitoring the situation of Mitchel Bakker, as Atalanta intend to transfer him this summer. The report states that Atalanta are prepared to listen to offers and are working towards a solution that suits all parties, though no concrete offer has been publicly stated. The interest from Celtic is reported, but it is not clear if it will become more definite for the player, who has one year left on his contract. Bakker suffered a serious knee injury, rupturing his cruciate ligament, early in the season and made one Serie A appearance upon his return. An update on Wednesday noted that the Dutch left-midfielder is among the players expected to leave Atalanta, with interest also coming from some Serie A clubs and Turkish teams.
Adrian Blake
Celtic have held talks with both Utrecht and winger Adrian Blake regarding a potential move to Glasgow, according to a Wednesday update. The winger has a valuation of approximately £2.5m, which Celtic reportedly considers good value. Due to his contract situation, the club will seek to negotiate a lower fee, and there is confidence a deal can be completed. It was also noted there is confidence the deal could be completed next week, conditional on everything proceeding as planned. On Tuesday, Sky Sports reporter Anthony Joseph reported that Celtic are among the clubs interested in Blake, who has one year remaining on his contract.
Haissem Hassan
An update on Wednesday stated that Celtic are working on a deal for Haissem Hassan and have been in regular contact with his representatives. The club is reportedly looking to persuade him to move to Glasgow rather than a club in one of the top five leagues, where he is understood to have interest. Celtic are hopeful their ability to offer Champions League football will aid them, and there is confidence the deal could be completed next week if events proceed as planned. On Tuesday, Christian Vaquero reported that Celtic have been in touch with the player’s representation at Sport MNG over a four-year contract, should the clubs reach an agreement, with separate reports mentioning a prepared new offer of €7-8m.
Dinko Horkaš
Celtic's efforts to sign Dinko Horkas from Las Palmas have been unsuccessful, as two offers have been turned down, according to a report from Wednesday. Last Thursday, The Celtic Way reported that the Las Palmas goalkeeper is on a shortlist and that scouts watched the 27-year-old in his team's La Liga play-off tie against Malaga last month.
Emam Ashour
On Sunday, it was reported that Emam Ashour is not expected to sign a new contract with Al-Ahly because he is seeking a transfer to Europe. Manager Martin O’Neill has personally inquired about his conditions, and the club has been informed that a fee of approximately £4 million would be required to sign him. According to several outlets, Celtic are making a strong effort to conclude a deal for that amount, with his salary said not to be an issue. Champions League football at Parkhead is reportedly an appealing option for Ashour.
Mory Gbane
Celtic are interested in Reims midfielder Mory Gbane, according to a report from last Friday. The club will reportedly face competition from West Ham United and Trabzonspor for the 25-year-old. The Ligue 2 club is said to be open to selling the Ivory Coast international if a substantial offer is made, and Celtic will be observing developments concerning him.
Julian Araujo
On Tuesday, manager O'Neill indicated a potential return for Julian Araujo but acknowledged there are difficulties in a move for the Bournemouth player. O'Neill stated he would like to bring Araujo back but mentioned that the club may need to wait until the end of the window. He added that he is unsure if Bournemouth would loan the player out again and thinks they would prefer to sell him, but if a deal was possible, it is something he would certainly consider. The previous day, it was reported that Araujo had returned to Bournemouth for pre-season, with Mexican media outlet Debate reporting that the Scottish champions are among the clubs still credited with an interest in him.
For the very latest transfer news, check our Celtic club page.
