Celtic have strongly been linked (The Scottish Sun) with a move for Ivory Coast midfielder Ismaila Soro. The 21-year-old currently plies his trade in the Israeli league for Bnei Yehuda. Club owner Barak Obramov recently revealed that the player would find it hard to turn down a move to Celtic if the Hoops come up with a good offer. Belgian heavyweights Genk are also said to be interested in signing the midfielder.
Club chief on Soro
Obramov gave an update on Soro’s transfer situation and said, ”It’s no secret that Celtic are very interested in Ismaila. When such a massive club with so many thousands of fans want to sign you, it would be very hard to keep him at a small club like Bnei Yehuda. But at the same time, I would stress we have yet to receive a formal offer from Celtic.”
Soro’s contract expires in the summer of 2021, and it remains to be seen what kind of price tag the Israeli team would put up on the midfielder’s head. The speculations of Soro moving heated up further when the midfielder was pictured with football agent Dudu Dahan. Dahan holds a close relationship with Celtic as he helped the Bhoys secure the signings of Nir Bitton and Hatem Abd Elhamed.
Reports around a month back had come out that Soro is being valued around £3m. The midfielder has played his football before in Moldova and Belarus. Celtic will undoubtedly be the most significant break of his career if he manages to move in this window.
Celtic have picked up some quality options from the Israeli league. Hatem Abd Elhamed was an unknown quantity for many of us, but the versatile fullback has looked like he belongs at Parkhead. Elhamed has filled in at centre back and right back, but he is currently down with an injury.
What can Soro bring to the table?
Lennon will hope that Soro would turn out to be another bargain signing. The midfielder is known for his ability to breakdown play. His tackling and intercepting ability stands out. The African ace also showcases decent on the ball qualities as he is good in close quarter control and can get out of tight spaces. Hence, he can carry the ball forward well.
Scott Brown is still going strong for Celtic, but it cannot be ignored that Celtic need to be on the lookout for his long term replacement. With club’s chief admitting that Soro would find it hard to turn down Celtic, the Bhoys need to come up with a decent offer to get their man.
