Celtic eye one of Sweden’s most prolific strikers, £3m rated Ibrahim Diabate | OneFootball

Celtic are reportedly weighing up a move for one of Sweden’s most prolific forwards after being linked with Ibrahim Diabate, the highly rated GAIS striker valued at around £3 million…

Ibrahim Diabate cheers after the 0-1 goal during the football match in Allsvenskan between Malmö FF and GAIS on November 9, 2025 in Malmö. Photo PETTER ARVIDSON.IMAGO / Bildbyran

The Hoops are understood to be prioritising attacking additions, having seen their forward options reduced by injuries to Kelechi Iheanacho and teenager Callum Osmand, compounded by the departure of Adam Idah to Swansea City late in the transfer window who wasn’t replaced.

Diabate enjoyed a standout campaign in Sweden, scoring 18 league goals to help GAIS secure a third-place finish, while finishing joint-top scorer in the Allsvenskan alongside August Priske of Djurgardens.

GAISs Ibrahim Diabate cheers after 0-1 during the football match in Allsvenskan between Malmö FF and GAIS on November 9, 2025 in Malmö: Photo PETTER ARVIDSON IMAGO / Bildbyran

The Ivory Coast international has also attracted interest from Al Ahly, where he has been touted as a potential successor to Wessam Abou Ali – another forward who has been linked with Celtic.

However, as relayed by The Scottish Sun, reports emerging from Egypt claim Celtic have already made contact with GAIS, raising the possibility that the Scottish champions could move ahead of Al Ahly in the race for his signature.

Diabate himself appeared unconvinced by the prospect of a switch to Africa, offering a lukewarm response when questioned last week about speculation linking him with a move to Al Ahly.

Ibrahim Diabate cheers after the 0-1 goal during the football match in Allsvenskan between Malmö FF and GAIS on November 9, 2025 in Malmö. Photo PETTER ARVIDSON.IMAGO / Bildbyran

He said: “These are just rumours. Nothing is clear about any transfer and there have been no discussions. Very little of what has been said about me signing for Al-Ahly is true.”

Diabate remains tied to GAIS until 2027, having only joined the Gothenburg outfit last year following his switch from Swedish side Vasteras.

GAIS Ibrahim Diabate cheers after the football match in Allsvenskan between Malmö FF and GAIS on November 9, 2025 in Malmö Photo: PETTER ARVIDSON. IMAGO / Bildbyran

His rise to prominence has been eye-catching, with this season marking a dramatic upturn in goalscoring form after he only scored just once during his previous campaign at Vasteras.

Before establishing himself in Sweden, the 26-year-old spent time in Spain, featuring at B-team level for both Mallorca and Atletico Madrid, though a senior appearance in La Liga ultimately eluded him.

On the international stage, Diabate has been capped for Ivory Coast Under-21, but is still awaiting his first call-up to the Ivory Coast senior squad.

Conor Spence

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