Celtic Are In The Mix For This Emerging Chelsea Forward: Why O’Neill Must Be Backed By The Board | OneFootball

If a recent transfer update from Fabrizio Romano is believed to be true, Celtic are plotting a move for David Datro Fofana. But they are not alone in the race, with Royal Antwerp and Derby County also keeping close tabs on the Chelsea centre-forward, who is likely to be offloaded before the winter window is slammed shut.

The 23-year-old Ivory Coast international progressed through Abidjan City and AFAD back in his homeland, and eventually opted for the Norwegian heavyweights Molde in February 2021. Following a productive 2022 season with 22 goals in 39 appearances, Fofana earned a high-profile €12m move to Stamford Bridge three years back.

However, he struggled for minutes in the oversized Chelsea side and has so far spent his time out on loan with Union Berlin, Burnley, Göztepe and Fatih Karagümrük, respectively. Although he has scored 7 goals in 14 outings in Turkey with the newly promoted Super Lig side, the Blues would sanction a permanent exit if a suitable bid is tabled this month. Multiple suitors are monitoring the situation of the promising youngster, including the Celts, who have identified several targets to resolve their striker conundrum.

BURNLEY, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 03: David Datro Fofana of Burnley celebrates scoring his team’s second goal during the Premier League match between Burnley FC and Fulham FC at Turf Moor on February 03, 2024 in Burnley, England. (Photo by Naomi Baker/Getty Images)

Celtic are back in the hunt for the Premiership crown, overcoming the nightmare run under Wilfried Nancy. The Frenchman was relieved of his duties after six defeats in eight games in charge, and the board re-appointed Martin O’Neill as the interim chief for the remainder of the 2025-26 campaign. The iconic Irishman made an immediate impact, as the Hoops claimed back-to-back wins against Dundee United and Falkirk.

Why Celtic Must Bring In An Outright ‘Number 9’

Having said that, O’Neill has reiterated the necessity of reinforcements amid injuries to key attackers. Their frontline has been largely decimated due to the long-term absence of Kelechi Iheanacho, Callum Osmand and Jota, thus forcing the gaffer to deploy Daizen Maeda as an outright ‘number 9’, refraining him from exhibiting his flair, finesse and work ethic down the left-hand flank.

Johnny Kenny is a decent option from the bench, but he lacks the intensity of spearheading the attack week in and week out. Shin Yamada could be viewed as a ‘project signing’ that has not clicked, and the champions must address the crisis, rectifying the mistakes made in the summer window.

Despite failing to break into Enzo Maresca and now Liam Rosenior’s plans, Fofana has a very high ceiling, which could soon be realised with regular gametime north of the border. While fellow title contenders Hearts and Rangers are bolstering the squad with exciting additions one after another, Celtic’s incompetence in the market has been the talk of the town for quite some time. In the wake of the growing frustration among the fans, the Ivorian’s arrival might see them revive their reputation.