Report: Celtic face Premier League opposition to sign Moroccan starlet | OneFootball

Celtic could face competition from high flying Premier League side Sunderland for the signature of Hossam Essadek. The Moroccan starlet has been linked with a January move to the Scottish Champions as Celtic look to strengthen amid an injury crisis. The club require to replace Brendan Rodgers, who dramatically resigned three weeks ago, with Winfried Nancy favourite to take the role.

The Columbus Crew boss is the favourite for the vacancy with Celtic believed to be advancing in their pursuit of the Frenchman. Despite this, the club have confirmed that Martin O’Neill and Shaun Maloney will take the team for the trip to Paisley to face St Mirren.

A report from Football Insider claims that despite the lack of a manager, Celtic are working towards making additions to the squad as they look to haul the points difference back from Hearts and reclaim their spot at the summit of the table.

Essadak, who captained Morocco to the Under-20 World Cup, currently plays for Union Touarga Sport in Morocco. However, his exploits at the tournament yielded 3 assists and 2 goals which has sparked interest from Scotland and England. The attacking midfielder would certainly look to add quality in an area of the pitch that Celtic have been lacking since Matt O’Riley left. The Dane replaced Tom Rogic in that attacking midfield role and after a POTY season, O’Riley departed for Brighton and Celtic have not replaced in that area despite the arrival of Arne Engels, who appears to prefer playing deeper.

Transfer journalist Pete O’Rourke explained that Celtic will be amongst a number of teams looking at the Moroccan starlet.

“Essadak is somebody that maybe is on Celtic radar, having performed so well for Morocco at the recent Under-20s World Cup, where they shocked a lot of teams by going on and winning that trophy.

“So no surprise that some of their players are attracting serious interest following their exploits at that tournament.

“Sunderland have also been linked with Essadak as well. He’s a young player who’s obviously done well for his country and currently plays for Union Touarga in Morocco’s top flight.

“I’m sure Celtic and a number of other top clubs are keeping tabs on Essadak and other players from that Morocco Under-20s team.

“But, I don’t think Celtic will be making it a priority to try and do a deal in January. There’s other areas of the team that need strengthening before midfield.”

Celtic are in dire need of attacking reinforcements after a summer of insufficient investment. Johnny Kenny has stepped into the role well and even with Kelechi Iheanacho due to return, Celtic are still short in the front area. Daizen Maeda is expected to attract interest following on from the summer. Callum Osmand made a breakthrough in the win over Rangers before becoming injured in the next match.