Celtic actively in talks to sign another forward alongside Ta Bi
Celtic’s turbulent campaign took another dramatic twist as the Scottish giants scramble to salvage their season following one of their most disastrous managerial appointments ever.
O'Neill returns to Celtic for second time this season after Nancy disaster
Wilfried Nancy’s brief spell at Parkhead ended in humiliation earlier this week after the Frenchman won just two of his eight matches in charge, becoming the latest casualty in what has been a catastrophic season for the Glasgow club.
Nancy arrived from Columbus Crew with impressive credentials as the 2024 MLS Coach of the Year, replacing the departed Brendan Rodgers who resigned in October.
The 48-year-old then signed a two-and-a-half-year contract in early December, but lasted just 33 days before the board pulled the trigger following Saturday’s devastating 3-1 home defeat to Rangers in the Old Firm derby.
The final straw came at Celtic Park when the Hoops surrendered a 1-0 halftime lead to collapse spectacularly against their bitter rivals.
Yang Hyun-Jun had given Celtic the advantage with a fierce strike, but second-half goals from Youssef Chermiti and Mikey Moore turned the contest on its head, marking the first time in 152 home matches that Celtic had scored first and gone on to lose.
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Celtic shipped 18 goals across Nancy’s hapless eight matches in charge, with his stubborn refusal to adapt frustrating supporters who watched players regress dramatically under his management.
The dismissal came particularly harshly given Nancy replaced interim boss Martin O’Neill, who had won seven of his eight matches in charge following Rodgers’ resignation.
The stark contrast between the two spells highlighted the catastrophic nature of Nancy’s appointment, with the board also sacking head of football operations Paul Tisdale in acknowledgment of his recruitment failure.
Enter O’Neill for his second interim spell in charge this season.
The Northern Irishman returns alongside assistants Shaun Maloney and Mark Fotheringham, tasked with stabilizing a crisis that has seen Celtic drop six points behind Scottish Premiership leaders Hearts.
Behind-the-scenes, Celtic chiefs are prepared to back O’Neill to the hilt with transfers this month.
Celtic in talks to sign Nacho Laquintana with Jocelin Ta Bi
TEAMtalk reports that The Hoops are closing in on two exciting wide players with one deal already agreed.
The club have reached an agreement to sign Ivorian talent Jocelin Ta Bi for £2 million, with the 21-year-old right-winger expected to undergo a medical in the coming days.
Ta Bi has impressed during a loan spell at Hapoel Petah Tikva from Israeli side Maccabi Netanya. His pace and directness represent exactly the kind of energetic, exciting player O’Neill needs to inject life into his forward line after the Nancy debacle left the squad devoid of confidence.
Negotiations are also progressing simultaneously for Uruguay international Ignacio ‘Nacho’ Laquintana, with O’Neill’s side actively working on a deal.
The 26-year-old currently plies his trade for Red Bull Bragantino in Brazil, and has emerged as a prime target after talks were held over the weekend. TEAMtalk indicates the player himself is keen on making the move to Glasgow.
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Celtic are pursuing a loan-to-buy deal that would allow Laquintana to make an immediate impact while providing crucial financial flexibility.
The Uruguayan’s creativity and goal threat from wide positions make him an attractive proposition for O’Neill as he plots Celtic’s resurgence in the title race.
Both signings address critical areas of need following the tactical chaos under Nancy. The attacking reinforcements provide fresh options in wide positions where Celtic have lacked dynamism throughout a campaign that has lurched from one crisis to another since Rodgers’ October departure.
O’Neill will welcome the incoming talent as he attempts to close the gap on Hearts while simultaneously rebuilding confidence within a fractured squad.
With announcements expected imminently, supporters can anticipate a busy January.
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