One of the more exotic stories to have found it’s way into the rumour mill these past few weeks, has been the reputed interest from the Hoops in Mohamed Afsha Magdy. The attacking midfielder plays for Al-Ahly in the Egyptian Legaue and numerous reports had stated Celtic were interested re his agent.
The 26-year-old international teammate of Mohamed Salah has been central to Al-Ahly’s success over these past few years and the player saw a move to Turkish side Sivasspor collapse during the summer transfer window of 2022. It had been claimed by his agent that the Turks were back in for him, but it now looks like he will be moving to the cash-rich Saudi Arabian League.
Saudi outfit, Al Batin, are rumoured to be close to finalising a deal to take the small, creative talent to to the Middle East on loan, as reported by Daily Record. It would seem that perhaps the interest in him from Celtic wasn’t as concrete as his agent was making out, judging by this latest development. You can be sure if Ange Postecoglou wanted him, he would have more than likely got him.
After the departure of the magnificent Tom Rogic, there’s no denying the club have missed a player with that particular skill set. Someone who can play that role behind the striker in the number 10 position. Tom always brought great feet and wonderful technical ability to the team when he was deployed there. Granted you never always got a great defensive game out of the big man, but he always delivered when it mattered.
It will be interesting to see what Ange does regards this position. If, as reports state, that we are looking at a big, powerful midfield anchor man such as Aissa Laidouni, maybe he’s thinking of pushing Callum McGregor back up to where he is most effective, in my opinion. Callum could fill that role exceedingly well I feel and we have missed his delightful touch and intelligence whilst he is so far back in the field.
Paul Gillespie
