Celtic have now reportedly made contact in the race to sign an alternative to Jocelin Ta Bi before the end of the January transfer window.
O'Neill admits he wasn't prepared for January transfer window
It’s been a chaotic couple of months for Celtic, who looked back on course during Martin O’Neill’s interim spell before the arrival of Wilfried Nancy undid all of his good work.
Now back in charge, O’Neill has turned his attention towards the transfer market in the hope that he can once again get the Bhoys back in title contention.
Alas, the 73-year-old has admitted that he would have preferred more time to prepare for the January transfer window, telling reporters: “We might end up having to do some things that, that you take somebody on loan, that you think you wouldn’t be looking to sign for three or four years, for instance, something like that.
“I have an idea about a player and things are being presented to me. Now, of course, I would like to act more quickly.
“I think I’m trying to do that, and then I obviously have the other things to deal with, the clubs and then the players themselves. And some people that I would really like may choose to go elsewhere. If I, myself, had a bit more preparation for it, then I maybe could have worked a bit more quickly.”
Of course, what hasn’t helped is how a deal to sign Bi fell apart earlier in the window. Celtic looked likely to sign the Ivory Coast winger, before injury struck and he required surgery.
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The Hoops have since been back at the drawing board, eyeing options such as Andrej Ilic and now Basel star Philip Otele. According to GiveMeSport’s Ben Jacobs, Celtic have now made contact to sign Otele, who is “set to leave” Basel this month.
Celtic make contact to sign Philip Otele
The 26-year-old winger only completed a move to Basel in the summer, but could already be on the move if interested clubs reach his €7m (£6m) price-tag this month.
Whilst it’s not a deal that would break the bank, Celtic aren’t the only side interested in signing the Nigerian this month. As per Jacobs, Birmingham City, Wolverhampton Wanderers, Bournemouth and Lazio are all also chasing his signature.
With eight goals and three assists in 30 appearances in Switzerland this season, it’s easy to see why there’s growing interest in Otele.
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Taking a unique path to the top, having started in non-league football while attending Teesside University before moving to Lithuania, he now has experience in the Europa League, in which he’s scored twice in the current campaign.
That proven performace at a high level suggests he’s far better suited than earlier Celtic target Bi. Simply put, O’Neill needs attacking options, and after watching one deal fall through Celtic should go all out to sign Otele this month.