Celtic Eye January Move For This 26 Year Old Winger: Why The Hoops Must Meet The Valuation | OneFootball

If a recent transfer update from Ben Jacobs is believed to be true, Celtic are keeping close tabs on Philip Otele, who is expected to leave Basel in this window. The Swiss giants would listen to offers of around €7m, as the likes of Wolves, Birmingham City, Bournemouth and Lazio are circling for the Nigerian winger.

The 26-year-old attacking ace represented Teesside University and Wolviston during his youth stint in England. He then left for the Lithuanian outfit Kauno Žalgiris before being signed by UTA Arad on a Bosman. An impressive spell down the flank earned him a high-profile move to the fellow Romanian hotshots CFR Cluj. There, he netted 18 times during the 2023-24 season, which earned him a €3.5m transfer to Al Wahda in the UAE Pro League.

His Rise In Basel

However, Basel came calling six months later and secured his services on an initial loan. They triggered the buy option last summer as a reward for Otele’s immediate impact high up the pitch. With 9 goals in 18 league games, he contributed significantly to their league triumph over Servette.

Fulham were also chasing his signing, but eventually tied down Kevin for £34m from Shakhtar. Despite scoring 8 goals and assisting thrice in 30 outings so far this season across competitions, Basel have drastically reduced his valuation from summer’s £15m.

BASEL, SWITZERLAND – OCTOBER 02: Philip Otele of Basel (R) shoots the ball during the UEFA Europa League 2025/26 League Phase MD2 match between FC Basel 1893 and VfB Stuttgart at St. Jakob-Park on October 02, 2025 in Basel, Switzerland. (Photo by Daniela Porcelli/Getty Images)

While there won’t be a shortage of suitors for the wide attacker, Celtic must show ambition over the next couple of weeks to rectify the mistakes of the previous window. Martin O’Neill has returned to the dugout after Wilfried Nancy’s disastrous 33-day tenure. But the board has to back the iconic Irishman, given Hearts and Rangers’ spending spree, to stay relevant in the three-horse title race.

Why Celtic Must Step Up Their Interest In Otele

With Kelechi Iheanacho and Callum Osmand sidelined for months, the Bhoys are actively pursuing a ‘number 9′ to resolve their striker conundrum. But the issues down the flank must be addressed, particularly after Jota’s season-ending injury.

Michel-Ange Balikwisha has failed to deliver since his summer move, and Sebastian Tounekti, though spectacular at times with his flair, footwork and dribbling, has struggled with his decision-making and end product. Luke McCowan was forced to play as a makeshift winger during Tounekti and Balikwisha’s absence due to AFCON, and all their managers have been forced to deploy Daizen Maeda as a centre-forward because they do not have an outright goalscorer to spearhead the attack.

Rangers have made a statement signing by wrapping up a loan deal for Andreas Skov Olsen. Also, Hearts’ move for Rogers Mato is viewed as another shrewd piece of business by Derek McInnes. It is high time for Celtic to show some intent and bring Otele to Parkhead.