Celtic Are Preparing A Move For This Ivorian Midfield Ace: Why The Hoops Must Step Up Their Interest | OneFootball

If a recent report from French outlet Foot Mercato is true, Celtic are keeping close tabs on Mory Gbane ahead of a potential summer swoop. But they are not alone in the hunt, with English Championship side West Ham United and Turkish hotshots Trabzonspor also making their moves for the Stade de Reims midfielder.

The 25-year-old Ivory Coast international first grabbed attention while playing for Stade d’Abidjan in the second division of the Ivorian football pyramid. Croatian outfit BSK Bijelo Brdo secured his services in 2019, and the midfield ace continued to impress in the centre of the pitch. Russian top-flight club Khimki loaned him in for the 2022-23 season and eventually sanctioned a temporary switch to Portuguese outfit Gil Vicente, soon after making the move permanent for €250k in the summer of 2023.

Gilistas splashed €1.50m to bring him to Barcelos for the 2024-25 campaign, but accepted Reims’ offer of around €5m in February. The French side suffered relegation heartbreak in the playoffs, and narrowly missed out on promotion last term, finishing sixth in the Ligue 2 standings. Gbane has retained his starting spot since moving to France but could explore a fresh opportunity, with the Red and Whites “not opposed” to selling their star midfielder.

Why Celtic Need Reinforcements In The Centre Of The Pitch

Celtic scripted a massive turnaround under Martin O’Neill, who guided them to conquer a ‘domestic double’ following a sensational winning streak late in the season. However, the veteran Northern Irishman has reiterated the need for reinforcements across the pitch and has now convinced Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain to stay for at least one more year after a brief loan stint.

GLASGOW, SCOTLAND – MAY 16: Callum McGregor of Celtic interacts with teammate Arne Engels during the William Hill Premiership match between Celtic and Heart of Midlothian at Celtic Park on May 16, 2026 in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

Meanwhile, the Hoops might undergo a complete midfield overhaul amid uncertainties over the future of their first-team stars. They rebuffed Nottingham Forest’s whopping bid for Arne Engels in the winter, but might struggle to hold on to the Belgian, as clubs circle for his signature. Speculation about Callum McGregor was fuelled recently after the skipper changed his agency and signed with Unique Sports Group, which also represents former Bhoys boss Brendan Rodgers. Paulo Bernardo and Reo Hatate, no longer in O’Neill’s plans, are expected to part ways in due time.

What Would Gbane Offer In Midfield

Celtic are chasing several names, including Torino’s Lithuania midfielder Gvidas Gineitis. They might have to land multiple targets, and Gbane, hailed for his dominant ball-winning attribute with strong tackling and front-foot defending, physical and aerial presence, and the ability to orchestrate the game as a deep-lying playmaker, would slot into O’Neill’s set-up and help instigate attacking build-ups from the back, banking on his excellent passing range and composure to distribute the ball.