According to the latest reports from the Daily Record, Celtic are keeping track of midfielder Ismaila Soro. The 21-year-old currently plies his trade in the Israeli league for Bnei Yehuda. It is believed that Celtic scouts were present to catch the game between Bnei Yehuda Vs Hapoel Beer Sheva. The Hoops are yet to make any concrete moves for the midfielder, but they have placed him on a list of potential targets.
Celtic Football Operations Head Nicky Hammond and boss Neil Lennon are said to have links in the region, and they have previously picked up talent from the Israeli division. Hatem Abd Elhamed was a relatively unknown signing this summer, but the versatile defender has done well at Parkhead so far.
Soro is being valued at £3m. He had joined the Israeli division last season, and he was seen as a prospect for the future by his side. However, the defensive midfielder has managed to establish himself as a first-team regular. Now, it is likely that Celtic could make a move for the midfielder in January.
Does Celtic need to recruit midfielders this winter?
The Bhoys have a terrific midfield partnership of Callum McGregor and Scott Brown at their disposal. The duo has often been impressive this season, and they hardly seem to get tired, or miss games as both of them seem to be supremely fit.
Apart from that, Celtic have Olivier Ntcham who is waiting in the wings to get his chance. Versatile midfielder Nir Bitton can also take the place of Brown in a defensive midfield role. Hence, there is no immediate need for Lennon to look for midfielders during the winter transfer period.
Nevertheless, the club needs to keep an eye on a long term replacement for Scott Brown as he is already 34 and he maybe has two more years left in him.
What are Soro’s qualities?
The Celtic team management and club faithful will hope that Soro doesn’t turn out to be another Eboue Kouassi kind of signing. Soro is known for his ability to make tackles and intercept the ball for his side, and he also shows good control of the ball in tight spaces. The Ivorian is also known to play with great energy, and he can carry the ball well from the deep areas.
However, it remains to be seen whether Soro would be able to adapt to Scottish football or not. Hopefully, the club had learnt its lessons from when they signed a defensive midfielder like Kouassi. The Hoops will hope that Soro turns out to be a top player if he makes a move to Celtic Park in January.
