Celtic Eyeing Yves Bissouma as Midfield Reinforcement

Celtic are tracking former Tottenham midfielder Yves Bissouma as Martin O’Neill searches for a powerful reinforcement to reshape his midfield.

The 29-year-old is a free agent after leaving Spurs, a status that instantly turns him into one of the more intriguing late-window options for clubs hunting experience and presence in the middle of the park. For Celtic, still bruised by their Champions League collapse against LASK, his profile ticks some glaring boxes.

Midfield scar still fresh

That night in Austria lingers. Celtic were overrun, unable to get a grip on the game as LASK seized control and O’Neill’s side failed to impose themselves in the centre of the pitch. The defeat did more than end a European campaign; it exposed a soft underbelly in midfield.

Bissouma’s strengths cut right across that weakness. He built his reputation in the Premier League on winning the ball back, snapping into duels, then driving through pressure with it at his feet. He doesn’t just screen a back line, he drags his team up the pitch.

For a Celtic side that looked short of both control and aggression in Europe, that kind of presence is hard to ignore.

A race across Europe

Celtic, though, are not alone.

Journalist Lassana Camara reports that the Glasgow club are “closely following” Bissouma’s situation, but they are part of a wider chase. Ajax and İstanbul Başakşehir have also shown interest as the transfer window edges towards its close.

Camara outlines the picture clearly: Ajax Amsterdam have entered the race and are keen to take Bissouma to the Netherlands, while İstanbul Başakşehir FK are studying the Malian’s profile as well. Celtic Glasgow, he adds, are monitoring developments from Scotland.

After several seasons in the Premier League, Bissouma stands at a crossroads. A new challenge in Europe awaits; only the destination is missing.

The clock is ticking on the window. The next few hours should reveal whether Celtic can turn admiration into action, or whether one of their European rivals wins the battle for a midfielder built for nights when games are decided in the chaos of the centre circle.