Celtic are reportedly weighing up a move for one of Sweden’s most prolific forwards after being linked with Ibrahim Diabate, the highly rated GAIS striker valued at around £3 million…
The Hoops are understood to be prioritising attacking additions, having seen their forward options reduced by injuries to Kelechi Iheanacho and teenager Callum Osmand, compounded by the departure of Adam Idah to Swansea City late in the transfer window who wasn’t replaced.
Diabate enjoyed a standout campaign in Sweden, scoring 18 league goals to help GAIS secure a third-place finish, while finishing joint-top scorer in the Allsvenskan alongside August Priske of Djurgardens.
The Ivory Coast international has also attracted interest from Al Ahly, where he has been touted as a potential successor to Wessam Abou Ali – another forward who has been linked with Celtic.
However, as relayed by The Scottish Sun, reports emerging from Egypt claim Celtic have already made contact with GAIS, raising the possibility that the Scottish champions could move ahead of Al Ahly in the race for his signature.
Diabate himself appeared unconvinced by the prospect of a switch to Africa, offering a lukewarm response when questioned last week about speculation linking him with a move to Al Ahly.
He said: “These are just rumours. Nothing is clear about any transfer and there have been no discussions. Very little of what has been said about me signing for Al-Ahly is true.”
Diabate remains tied to GAIS until 2027, having only joined the Gothenburg outfit last year following his switch from Swedish side Vasteras.
His rise to prominence has been eye-catching, with this season marking a dramatic upturn in goalscoring form after he only scored just once during his previous campaign at Vasteras.
Before establishing himself in Sweden, the 26-year-old spent time in Spain, featuring at B-team level for both Mallorca and Atletico Madrid, though a senior appearance in La Liga ultimately eluded him.
On the international stage, Diabate has been capped for Ivory Coast Under-21, but is still awaiting his first call-up to the Ivory Coast senior squad.
Conor Spence
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Sounds like the blueprint recipe for how we want to buy players.
I.e. relatively cheap, and on the promise of hitting peak form at the right rime.
Not saying it’s necessarily the wrong approach, but neither does this say “guarantee of goals” either, especially if stepping up a level.