Celtic In Talks With Sabah For This Emerging French Forward: Would He Emulate His Father’s Success In Europe? | OneFootball

If a recent report from the French outlet L’Equipe is believed to be true, Celtic have opened talks with Azerbaijani outfit Sabah ahead of a potential summer move for Aaron Malouda. But they are not alone in the hunt, with Serie B side Sampdoria also keen on having the French forward in their ranks.

The 20-year-old Les Bleus youth international progressed through Lyon and Rennes’ academy setup before featuring for the latter’s reserves in the fifth division of the French football pyramid. He was eventually roped in by Lille, but the limited first-team minutes led to a loan move to Nimes.

Aaron, son of the legendary France and Chelsea winger Florian Malouda, plied his trade in Azerbaijan on an initial season-long loan move to Sabah. The Black-pinks, impressed by his flair and finesse on the flanks, tied him down for a fee of around €250k earlier this year.

Rise in Azerbaijan

Like his father, the Frenchman prefers to operate as a wide attacker. So far, Malouda has netted 8 goals and laid on 4 more in 23 league appearances, helping Sabah claim their first-ever Azerbaijan Premier League title and drawing an end to Qarabağ FK’s long-term dominance. Bayquşlar are also on the verge of Cup glory, as they would lock horns with Zira this midweek in the Azerbaijan Cup final.

GLASGOW, SCOTLAND – MAY 10: Daizen Maeda of Celtic celebrates after he scores his team’s third goal via bicycle kick during the William Hill Premiership match between Celtic and Rangers at Celtic Park on May 10, 2026 in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

Both Sabah and Celtic are focusing on the ‘domestic double’ in their respective countries. But the talks are ongoing, with the clubs working towards an agreement that would suit all parties involved. The Hoops have presented their project to the youngster, and the prospect of playing in the Champions League should fascinate him more than joining Sampdoria in the second tier of Italian football.

The Bhoys are expected to undergo a squad overhaul in the summer, overcoming the mistakes made in the recent past. Martin O’Neill will also be replaced by the end of the current campaign, but the management are unlikely to leave the business late in the upcoming window.

Why Celtic Must Secure His Services

Celtic, on paper, have an array of wingers. However, Michael-Ange Balikwisha and Joel Mvuka are expected to be shown the door, having failed to make their opportunities count. Sebastian Tounekti has struggled with his final product, and the long-term injury absence of Jota further decimates them down the wide. James Forrest is past his prime, and Hyun-Jun Yang, one of their better performers, has only scored 10 times in 44 outings.

Meanwhile, Daizen Maeda’s contract situation could force Celtic to listen to offers for the versatile Japanese ace over losing him for nothing next summer. A crisis might hit them soon, unless the parity is restored with quality additions. Malouda lacks the physicality and experience at high levels, but he has a very high ceiling, given his agility, pace, dribbling, technicality and creative spark across the frontline. The Celts must get the deal done before his valuation spikes in the coming days.