Celtic are interested in Girona winger Yaser Asprilla, according to a report.
A striker may be the main priority for Martin O’Neill, but it’s no secret that the Scottish champions could do with a winger too.
The squad has been without a left-footed winger since the departure of Nicolas Kuhn in the summer.
Celtic thought they’d filled that gap with the signing of Jocelin Ta Bi, but the Ivorian winger’s move was hijacked by Sunderland. The Hoops have now been accused of ‘heel-dragging’ over that transfer by Ta Bi’s camp.
The focus has now seemingly moved onto Asprilla, a highly-rated winger who moved for €19 million just 18 months ago.
Yaser Asprilla: £16 million, Colombia international… sound good to you?
Celtic interested in Girona winger Yaser Asprilla
Asprilla is a graduate of the Envigado academy in Colombia, one of the most productive academies in South America.
As an 18-year-old, he joined Watford for £2.6 million, six months before they were relegated from the Premier League.
READ MORE: After Celtic scouting visit, Rangers open ‘preliminary talks’ with Tawanda Maswanhise
He showed his talent across his two years in the Championship, scoring some spectacular goals for the Hornets and making his breakthrough into the Colombia side.
He made his big-money move in August 2024, moving to Girona in La Liga.
The Catalan side are, of course, owned by the City Football Group, with which Celtic have been involved in many deals.
He has been unable to hold down a first-team spot for too long in Spain, but he has still received plenty of minutes.
Now, according to Colombian journalist Pipe Sierra, he is set to leave Girona ‘imminently’, with Celtic listed as one of the interested clubs.
West Ham, Ajax and Marseille are the other clubs named, and the report also claims interest from Portugal and Germany.
So plenty of competition, but the Hoops are certainly aiming high.
What would you say to Dermot Desmond about Celtic’s transfer model now?
Martin O’Neill on Celtic transfer question
Speaking after the 2-0 win over Auchinleck Talbot on Sunday, O’Neill left Neil Lennon in stitches with his response to being asked for a transfer update.
Asked by Michael Stewart if there was anything imminent, he said: “No, I don’t think so. I think we have a fair idea of what we need to do, Michael. We want to obviously try and get on with it.
“Well, you are right. I do dread this question. We are making some progress, and hopefully we will get the players in before the end of the season.
“I am only kidding.”
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