Celtic set to miss out on the signing of Jocelin Ta Bi, with the winger now closing in on a switch to the Premier League, according to a report…
The Hoops had been controversially in advanced talks to secure the 20-year-old in a deal believed to be worth around £2 million from Maccabi Netanya, where the Ivory Coast prospect is contracted while spending the season on loan at Hapoel Petah Tikva.
Progress on the move stalled after medical checks highlighted a problem that would require surgical treatment, prompting Celtic to reassess their interest over the weekend. Despite the injury, the youngster is understood to remain in high demand, with a top-flight English club prepared to proceed with a transfer even with the medical concern taken into account.
Providing an update online, Foot Mercato reporter Sebastien Denis stated: “Huge twist for Jocelin Ta Bi. Just when everything was settled with Celtic FC, the starlet isn’t expected to commit to the club.”
“The winger from Hapoel Petah Tikva is set to commit in England as a Premier League club is about to swoop in and snag the deal.”
Meanwhile, Celtic have opened negotiations over a potential move for Uruguayan wide man Ignacio Laquintana, with the player understood to be open to joining the Scottish champions. Talks are centred on a loan switch that could include a clause allowing the club to make the transfer permanent at the end of the season.
Elsewhere, Preston North End have shown interest in form winger Hyun-jun Yang, but a departure currently looks unlikely. The South Korean has enjoyed an upturn in performances in recent weeks and has earned the backing of Martin O’Neill.
With the proposed signing of Jocelin Ta Bi no longer progressing, Celtic are expected to retain Yang as part of their attacking options.
Yang was named man of the match in Celtic’s comprehensive 4-0 win over Dundee United at the weekend.
🚨énorme rebondissement pour Jocelin Ta Bi. Alors que tout était réglé avec le #CelticFC, le crack 🇨🇮 ne devrait pas s'engager avec le club 🏴
⚠️l'ailier de l'Hapoel Petah Tikva devrait s'engager en 🏴 puisqu'un club de Premier League est sur le point de rafler la mise https://t.co/nv7973Fz7k
— Sébastien Denis (@sebnonda) January 12, 2026
Conor Spence
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This was old 18 months ago, but …We need a striker.
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