It can be said that this has been one of the worst campaigns in the Scottish Premiership in a long time, but Celtic are still hunting, they are still marching as they fight to win the title.
They may be three points behind the league leaders but it has been an uphill climb to get there. In fact, the fact that they are still at the top is a miracle given the chaos surrounding Wilfried Nancy.
However, Martin O’Neill has never steadied the ship twice and is threatening to roll back the years from its former glory. Whether the Irishman’s return is seen as a success, however, will depend on what happens over the next few weeks.
Whether they lift the Premiership trophy or not, it’s going to be a big summer for Dermot Desmond and Co.
Celtic are on the verge of signing a big-money midfielder
The first order of business will be to appoint a new manager. Who will be the most controversial. There isn’t much going on yet but names including Thomas Frank and Robbie Keane have both been released.
Regardless of who stands in the dugout next season, this summer is huge. Their employment in the last year or so has not been good enough. Michel-Ange Balikwisha and Joel Mvuka have proof of that.
They will also need to make sure they hold on to some key players. Daizen Maeda wasn’t really in the races but he was still going to lose when the time came.
There are some to fill their voids, however, with reports this week suggesting they are interested in 18-goal Plymouth Argyle striker Bim Pepple.
Celtic’s most expensive signings of all time
The Hoops have made some sensible signings over the years.
They may be looking to spend more money during the park, according to new reports. Indeed, Sky Sports Deutschland has revealed that Schalke midfielder Soufiane El-Faouzi is on the radar of a number of English clubs, including Brentford and Sunderland.
Celtic is also said to be in the race as all three parties have contacted each other for the first time to understand the situation affecting this player.
That said, if the Bhoys are to conclude a deal, it could take a bid of around £10m. That would make him the club’s second all-time transfer after Arne Engels.
How does El-Faouzi compare to Reo Hatate
Back in January, Celtic knew they needed a midfielder but found it difficult to get one over the line. Finally, they came to Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.
As a free agent, he has signed a six-month contract until the end of the season so it remains to be seen whether he will be at Parkhead next season.
The future is also unknown for Reo Hatate, who has become a stigma this season. The Japanese international has been a regular in the starting line-up since being signed by Ange Postecoglou but has struggled in 2025/26.
He has started just 19 league games and will end the campaign with just two league goals. That would be his worst Celtic tally since his arrival. He conceded ten goals in the Premiership last season, that’s how he went down.
Hatate has been one of the best midfielders in this division for most of his Celtic career but his energy is waning and it would not be surprising to see him heading for the exit door in the summer.
With El-Faouzi’s stance, they could not only sign in a very good position but could also improve. Although the midfielder is not a prolific goalscorer – he only has seven goals – the 23-year-old has been impressive in many areas this season.
|
El-Faouzi vs Hatate – 25/26 league statistics |
||
|---|---|---|
|
Mathematics (in 90 minutes) |
El-Faouzi |
My father |
|
Goals |
0.06 |
0.11 |
|
It helps |
0.16 |
0.11 |
|
Opportunities are created |
1.55 |
1.96 |
|
Great opportunities have been created |
0.35 |
0.32 |
|
Successful dribbles |
0.89 |
0.48 |
|
Duels won |
6.21 |
2.86 |
|
Fouls won |
1.84 |
0.90 |
|
Fighting |
3.01 |
1.01 |
|
Ideas |
1.20 |
0.48 |
|
Recovery |
5.61 |
3.71 |
The first caveat to mention is that Hatate’s defensive numbers will never be compromised given how little defensive work Celtic have to do in the Premiership.
That said, the odds are heavily in favor of the Schalke midfielder. He passes a greater number of defensive contributions per game, winning almost four duels per 90 minutes than Hatate.
Matched closely to the chances created, it is good to know that El-Faouzi is very good with the ball. He completes 0.89 dribbles per 90, which means he has the ability to move the ball forward very well and regularly.
Alongside Callum McGregor, he could be the Scot’s dream partner heading into next season. The German can work as a lone midfielder or he can play as an 8. Either way, you’ll give the new boss an upgrade to Hatate.
Celtic are ready to offer big wages to sign the 18-goal development of Iheanacho
Celtic are reportedly interested in a deal to sign Kelechi Iheanacho this summer.
