Celtic and Gent monitoring Ivory Coast winger Jocelin Ta Bi | OneFootball

Celtic and Gent are monitoring Ivory Coast prospect Jocelin Ta Bi as they prepare for a busy January transfer window, though any move would require negotiations with more than one Israeli club…

Jocelin Ta Bi in action for Hapoel Petak Tikva Photo: LES ULTRAS IVORIENS

With the Hoops facing a packed winter schedule and looking to reduce the gap to Hearts’ at the summit of the Scottish Premiership, manager Wilfried Nancy is keen to strengthen his squad in the coming weeks.

Sources in Israel via Daily Record suggest Ta Bi, who has a valuation of around £500,000, has emerged as a target.

The 20-year-old joined Maccabi Netanya last summer after catching the eye at Beitar Tubruk before being sent out on loan for the current campaign.

Currently plying his trade at Hapoel Petah Tikva until June, Ta Bi has contributed five goal involvements from 12 league starts, scoring twice and registering three assists. An ankle problem has kept him out recently, but he is expected to return to action within the next fortnight.

Celtic manager Wilfried Nancy reacts during the Premier League match between Celtic and Aberdeen at Celtic Park on December 21, 2025. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

However, any January deal would be complex, with Celtic required to reach an agreement not only with Netanya but also with Petah Tikva due to the ongoing loan arrangement. Reports claim the Scottish champions are currently at the front of the queue, although Belgian side Gent remain keen on the player.

Petah Tikva head coach Omer Peretz was asked about the growing speculation surrounding Ta Bi ahead of his side’s Israeli Cup clash with Hapoel Ironi Karmiel yesterday. He said: “At things stand, we have received no indication from Maccabi Netanya about an offer for Jocelin and he remains our player. We would also have a say in the matter because he is contracted to us until the end of the season.”

Celtic need quality starters as soon as the window opens. Deals must be concluded quickly as Nancy’s side are in desperate need of major surgery all across the pitch.

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