Celtic January target provides interesting subplot | OneFootball

Celtic return to league action today at home to Kilmarnock, looking to, with a little help from Dundee United, close the gap on Hearts, and at the same time keep one eye on a player who could soon become a familiar face at Celtic Park.

Celtic’s Nicolas Kuhn skips over Kilmarnock’s David Watson during the Premiership match between Celtic FC and Kilmarnock FC at Celtic Park on August 4, 2024. (Photo by Steve Welsh/Getty Images)

With Celtic nine points adrift, albeit with a game in hand, every point is crucial, but David Watson will perhaps also provide an intriguing subplot. The Kilmarnock midfielder, who captains Scotland’s under-21 side, has been strongly linked with a move to Celtic ahead of the January transfer window.

Watson’s form this season has turned heads across the Premiership. Having become an ever-present under Stuart Kettlewell, he’s already proven himself a key figure for Killie, and a recurring thorn in Celtic’s side, having scored against us three times in his young career.

Reports suggest Celtic’s interest stems not only from his potential but also from practical squad-building needs.

The club are under pressure to meet UEFA’s homegrown player quota, requiring at least eight Scottish-trained players for European registration.

Celtic v Kilmarnock – Reo Hatate and David Watson battle for the ball during the cinch Premiership match at Celtic Park, on Saturday October 7, 2023. Photo Jane Barlow

With Watson’s contract at Rugby Park expiring at the end of the season, a move could represent smart business. Kilmarnock however are likely to be reluctant to sell mid-season as they fight to secure Premiership safety.

Watson’s all-action style and leadership at youth international level make him one of the brightest domestic prospects, and his performance at Celtic Park today could perhaps further strengthen our interest.

While the club continues to monitor homegrown talent, Celtic scouts have also been busy abroad it seems. In Morocco, reports claim the Hoops have made an enquiry for Houssam Essadak, captain of the Morocco Under-20s team who lifted the Under-20 World Cup last month.

Essadak led his nation to a historic triumph in Chile, beating European heavyweights Spain, France, and Brazil before defeating Argentina 2–0 in the final. The 20-year-old, who plays for Union Touarga , is said to have stood out throughout the tournament as a creative, attacking midfielder.

Celtic are reported to have asked his club for a valuation, joining Sunderland in the chase for his signature. Essadak had been close to joining Las Palmas in the summer for around £400,000, but the move collapsed after the Spanish club’s relegation.

Celtic v Falkirk 29.10.2025, Scottish Premiership. Sebastian Tounekti scores. Photo Kenny Ramsay IMAGO

Celtic’s recent success with Tunisian winger Sebastian Tounekti, another North African recruit, has perhaps encouraged further scouting in the region. However, with Premier League competition for Essadak’s signature, any deal may prove challenging.

Despite growing transfer speculation, it remains uncertain how much progress Celtic will make until a new permanent manager is appointed, after all Dermot Desmond’s recent statement made it clear that player signings are ultimately sanctioned by the first-team manager.

That stance suggests that while recruitment groundwork is being laid for January, significant moves, whether for homegrown talent like Watson or emerging internationals like Essadak, may have to wait until a new figure is in the dugout.

Still, it’s encouraging for supporters to see Celtic scouting both at home and abroad once again. Today’s match could serve as both a test of the team’s league title defence, and possibly also a glimpse of a future talent in opposition colours.

Niall J