Celtic fans have had to endure quite a couple of days, but there could be some positivity to come in the final stretch of the window.
Brighton & Hove Albion are closing in on Bhoys midfielder Matt O’Riley in a deal that is set to eclipse the Scottish record transfer record.
£26 million is mooted to be the money on offer for Celtic. However, the Denmark international could potentially be joined by Kyogo Furuhashi, who is attracting interest from Premier League champions Manchester City.
The Citizens have whittled their search for a new forward option down to the Japan international and a younger, unnamed attacker. Should that come to fruition, Brendan Rodgers will desperately need reinforcements across the front four positions.
Now, news has emerged revealing that Celtic are in talks with a versatile attacker that can star in a deeper role.
Celtic in talks to sign Mateusz Bogusz from LAFC
According to Meczyki, Celtic are ‘seriously’ interested in LAFC forward Mateusz Bogusz and talks are underway over a transfer that could reach a fee of between roughly £6.8 million to £8.5 million for his services.
His contract terms aren’t expected to be an issue in negotiations, but it should be noted that the outlet state the possibility of a deal being close to completion is still a way off. He is widely expected to gain his first call-up to the Poland national team ahead of their Nations League endeavours next month.
In 2024, the 22-year-old has registered 16 goals and six assists in 32 appearances across all competitions. 18 of his goal contributions have come in Major League Soccer inside 24 outings.
Bogusz has been predominantly used as a centre-forward this season. However, his versatility can see him function as an attacking midfielder or on the flank.
Positionally, he is capable of filling a multitude of different roles, and it remains unclear exactly where he would fit into Rodgers’ side should a deal go through for the ex-Leeds United man.
More insight on Celtic target Mateusz Bogusz
In light of his time at Leeds United, where he spent four years of his career between 2019 and 2023, 67 Hail Hail spoke to Leeds United News’ Senior Football Writer Will Butcher to learn more about the Bhoys’ latest target.
Firstly, he said when we asked whether he is more likely to be a potential replacement for Furuhashi or O’Riley: “Definitely more a replacement for Kyogo than O’Riley. He’s one of those 10’s that is more likely to play as a striker or a winger, rather than deeper in central midfield like an 8.
“He’s always had decent pace, but technically and creatively he is excellent. Now showing he knows where the back of the net is, too.”
Later, we asked whether he could make the step into Champions League football should he move to Celtic, and he said: “I think Celtic would be a great move for him. He needs to be at a big club, that kind of player with huge ambition and confidence that thrives off playing for big clubs.
“Is he Champions League ready? Hard to tell, he’s got some way before reaching Kyogo’s level and he’s not an exact replica of Kyogo. He won’t run in behind as much as Kyogo, and he’s not a fox in the box. He mixes it up, sometimes comes short and links play but sometimes goes beyond having watched him at LAFC a few times.
“He’s definetely got potential to play in CL and possibly Premier League in future. He’s finally realising that in America, especially after his ACL injury, which was a shame. It always felt like Leeds wasted a talent there.”
We thank Will sincerely for his time and will bring you any other developments as they come on 67 Hail Hail.
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