Celtic face growing competition in their pursuit of Jocelin Ta Bi after Trabzonspor moved first with a £2.5 million bid…
Jocelin Ta Bi in action for Hapoel Petak Tikva Photo: LES ULTRAS IVORIENS
The Scottish champions have been monitoring the Ivory Coast winger, who is a Maccabi Netanya player, but currently spending the season on loan at Hapoel Petah Tikva.
Interest from Celtic has been tempered by concerns over an ankle problem that has kept the 20-year-old sidelined, prompting requests for detailed medical information, although local reports from Israel suggest the setback is short-term.
That hesitation could prove costly, with Trabzonspor already tabling an official bid and prepared to negotiate compensation with Petah Tikva should they press ahead.
Keen to bolster their squad following a difficult campaign and with Saturday’s Glasgow Derby looming, Celtic risk being overtaken in the race for one of their top targets.
The picture is further clouded by interest from Gent, who are also assessing a potential move for the winger. With two years remaining on his contract in Israel, Ta Bi’s future could be decided quickly as speculation mounts with lots of clubs.
Jahmai Simpson-Pusey. Motherwell v Celtic, Scottish Premiership. 30 December 2025 Photo by Vagelis Georgariou (The Celtic Star)
In other news, Manchester City are expected to cut short Jahmai Simpson-Pusey’s loan spell when the January window opens. The young defender arrived in Glasgow over the summer as part of a deal agreed under then-manager Brendan Rodgers, with the aim of increasing depth across the back line.
However, opportunities have been scarce for the 20-year-old, who is regarded as a promising prospect at Manchester City. Simpson-Pusey was omitted from Celtic’s Europa League squad in September and spent the opening stretch of the Scottish Premiership season outside match-day selections altogether.
Jahmai Simpson-Pusey of Celtic and Zac Williams of Kilmarnock. Celtic v Kilmarnock, Scottish Premiership Celtic Park, 9 November 2025. Photo Mark Runnacles
IMAGO /Shutterstock
His only appearance came in a makeshift role at right-back against Kilmarnock, overseen by interim boss Martin O’Neill. Since then, involvement has been limited to brief roles on the bench against Dundee United, Aberdeen, Livingston and Motherwell with Wilfried Nancy opting not to use him in any other fixtures.
🗣️ “The Celtic players look directionless. The squad is in dire need of major surgery.”
Celtic fan Conor Spence from the Celtic Star reflects on the Motherwell defeat, Wilfried Nancy’s future and Saturday’s Old Firm – live on Sky Sports 📺 pic.twitter.com/SRaCuTU1aS
— Sky Sports Scotland (@ScotlandSky) December 31, 2025
Conor Spence
Happy New Year from everyone at The Celtic Star!
Celtic in the Thirties – Both Volumes Half in the Celtic Star Books January Sale…
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