There is some more bad news for Celtic in this summer transfer window as an agreement in principle has now been reached.
There has not been enough good news for Celtic in this summer transfer window so far. And judging from the momentum of things, it does not feel like that is changing any time soon.
Fans had hoped for some quick business to be done this summer so that the fresh faces are in place by the start of pre-season and settled by the time the Champions League qualifiers come around. But as things stand, it is hard to see that happening.
Celtic do not even seem close to making any signings at this point in time. On the other hand, a number of their rumoured targets seem to be having their futures settled.
Celtic Handed Bad News After Rumours of Record Bid
Celtic have been linked with some ambitious moves in recent times. But none of them has come off so far. And now, another one seems to be off the table for the foreseeable future, at the very least.
According to a report from CeltsAreHere in early June, Soufiane El-Faouzi was understood to be open to a move to Celtic due to Champions League football being on the table.
It was even said that signing El-Faouzi would cost a £10 million initial fee with add-ons. That would take the overall figure beyond the £11 million Celtic shelled out to sign Arne Engels from FC Augsburg, which is their record transfer so far.
Unfortunately, that move now seems very unlikely to happen. According to Florian Plettenberg, El-Faouzi contract extension is a done deal.
An agreement in principle has now been reached with Schalke 04 over a new contract until 2030. He wanted to stay and turned down other opportunities.
Who Will the Hoops Try to Sign Next?
It is very clear that Celtic have had their eye on German leagues in recent times. Of course, we have already talked about the signing of Engels from Augsburg.
In January, they also brought in two players on loan from Bundesliga clubs. Tomas Cvancara was signed from Borussia Monchengladbach. Junior Adamu arrived from SC Freiburg.
Also, over the last few days, there has been plenty of talk about Celtic being interested in Hertha Berlin's standout goalkeeper, Tjark Ernst. He could be some genuine competition for Viljami Sinisalo but seems closer to a move to Wolfsburg.
So, it is not hard to believe that El-Faouzi would have caught the eye of Celtic. Now, it remains to be seen whether they will target somebody else from the German leagues.
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