Agent could be up to old tricks as reported Celtic target hands in transfer request

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Supposed Celtic target Mohamed ‘Afsha’ Magdy has reportedly handed in a transfer request at Al-Ahly, amidst a loan offer from Saudi Arabian club Al-Batin.

In recent weeks, the 26-year-old has been linked with a move to Europe, and Celtic Park in particular, after spending his entire career in Egypt.

This winter window won’t be the first time the Bhoys have been linked with the attacking midfielder, with Afsha’s agent talking up a move to Parkhead over the last two years.

The player’s representative has claimed that during the spells of both Neil Lennon and Ange Postecoglou, the Hoops have pursued potential moves.

And that familiar link has once again risen in recent weeks, as a member of Afsha’s team, Maher Nawfal, provided a quote regarding yet more interest from Celtic to the Scottish media.

Although the initial links may have seemed exciting, some supporters might have been sceptical given the past between Celtic and the Egyptian international.

Previously, the club have been used to create speculation, with the midfielder eventually going on to sign a new contract at his current side in Egypt.

On this occasion, the midfielder looks certain to be heading for the exit door, especially after reports indicated that Afsha has handed in a transfer request at Al-Ahly [Al-Masri Al-Youm].

However, it doesn’t look as though his destination will be Glasgow or Europe, with the club receiving an offer from elsewhere.

Afsha hands in transfer request amidst Saudi Arabian interest; were Celtic links even true?

The midfielder’s next move could see him arrive in Saudi Arabia, with Al-Batin making a six-month loan approach to sign Afsha.

Although it is unclear whether the Egyptian will make a move to the interested club, by handing in his transfer request, it almost suggests a move is on the horizon.

There may have been suggestions that Celtic were in contact with the player and his representatives. However, according to reports back in his homeland, there had been no contact between the Hoops and Afsha.

Last week, a report from Egyptian journalist and former player Ahmed Schubert stated [Al-Masri Al-Youm]: “There is no basis for the rumours about the Celtic negotiations with Afsha.”

“Afsha confirmed that he did not receive any European offers in the current period, and the player continues with Ahli this season.”

Now, of course, a lot can change in football in one week. However, piecing all the information together, the midfielder’s agent appears to be up to his old tricks, in my opinion.

After using Celtic on several occasions across the last few years, you wouldn’t imagine that is something Ange Postecoglou or the club’s hierarchy appreciates.

For now, Afsha remains an Al-Ahly player. But for how much longer, amidst interest from the Saudi Arabian club?

It remains to be seen where this reported interest is headed from Celtic’s point of view. But, as mentioned, at this point, it seems unlikely we will see the international midfielder end up at Parkhead, in my opinion.

We will need to keep a close eye to see how this one continues to develop.

In other news, The television state of play ahead of Celtic’s return as Sky Sports prepare to up their game.