Although the summer window was slammed shut only a few days ago, Celtic are already identifying targets over a potential January swoop. If a report from Record Sport is believed to be true, Ange Postecoglou is keeping close eyes on Oscar Gloukh who has emerged as one of the future stars of Israeli football.
The 18-year-old midfield attacker began his youth stint at Maccabi Sha’arayim. But he was roped in by Maccabi Tel Aviv a year later where he developed his game before breaking into their senior side last year. Gloukh made 10 first-team appearances last season across competitions and went on to find the net thrice exhibiting his expertise in the attacking third.
Meanwhile, the teenager is featuring week in and week out so far this term and has already bettered his season stats with 3 goals and 4 assists from 5 league appearances. He was not so effective for them in the UEFA Europa Conference League Qualifiers, however, his maturity as a ‘number 10’ earned him the ‘wonder kid’ status.
In a recent interview, Postecoglou opened up on his transfer plans post-World Cup.
“We will look to bring in players in January that hopefully then insulates us in case any of our players are taken off our hands. It’s part of our planning and we’re well underway in ensuring we are ready for that.”
Told the Parkhead boss (as quoted by the Daily Record) who expects the winter window to be busier due to the upcoming world event in Qatar.
Why Celtic Should Step Up The Chase
Despite leading the Premiership race, Celtic suffered a surprise defeat last weekend against St. Mirren. The manager made a few changes to rest his key individuals following an impressive Champions League outing against Shakhtar Donetsk, but the decision backfired completely as they struggled to drive the show from the centre of the pitch.
Reo Hatate, Matt O’Riley, David Turnbull and Aaron Mooy are comfortable as ‘number 8s’. They fit in Postecoglou’s 4-3-3 set-up, but the absence of any attacking midfielder has refrained the gaffer from tweaking his strategy and formation.
Celtic have scouted the Israeli market extensively in the recent past. Nir Bitton served the club for almost a decade, whereas Liel Abada is enjoying a boisterous run down the right-hand flank since joining the Bhoys a year ago. Gloukh, with less than two years left in his Maccabi Tel Aviv contract, could unite with his compatriot in a few months’ time. It remains to be seen though whether the champions of Scotland match a potential £8m asking fee for the Israel youth international.
