After a protracted signing process that required an appeal for a work permit, Celtic have finally announced that they have landed their first signing of the January transfer window in the form of Kouassi Eboue from Russian Premier League side Krasnodar. The 19-year-old was unveiled with the famous number 88 kit assigned to him which became a popular number among the fans when Gary Hooper wore it during his Celtic days. The youngster has already met his teammates, flying out to join them in Dubai for their winter training camp.
As reported by the BBC, Celtic had to spend a substantial fee of £3m which is a big sum consider the financial stature of the Scottish football. From the fee, it is well clear that Celtic regard the Ivorian wonderkid as a big part of their future. As per The Daily Mail, Kolo Toure, who is regarded as a hero in his native Ivory Coast, played a big part in the deal.
The young midfielder has heaped a lot of praise on Rodgers and Celtic in his interview to The Daily Mail prior to his move. So, how will this deal prove to be for him and Celtic? Let us discuss that.
Well, first of all, Eboue, by no means, is a luxury signing for Celtic as they desperately needed a central midfielder. Rodgers clearly does not rate Nir Bitton which means that Scott Brown and Stuart Armstrong are the only senior options available at his disposal in the middle of the park. Liam Henderson is still very much a player in the process and would not be able to deputise for either Brown or Armstrong if they are absent from the team with injuries or suspensions.
Callum McGregor is capable of playing as a number eight but the quality of such a gifted winger gets wasted in a deeper position. Eboue is rated as one of the best young players in Africa. He is an all-round defensive midfielder by trade and could very well reach the heights of his career under the stewardship of Brendan Rodgers. The youngster possesses an exceptional technique for a combative midfielder. He likes to dribble his way past defenders when he bursts forward.
Rodgers is a brilliant groomer of young talents which was evident from his days at Swansea City and Liverpool. The likes of Raheem Sterling, Philippe Coutinho, Jon Flanagan, and Jordon Ibe all will be ever indebted to the Northern Irish manager for the trust he showed in them despite their young age and Eboue can also benefit from working under the manager who will definitely give him the right opportunities.
