Celtic January transfer target available for half-price amid financial problems at his club

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Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers is already at work getting his ducks in a row ahead of the January transfer window.

With the Bhoys flying domestically and in contention for Champions League qualification, it will be unsurprising to hear that the Irishman has designs on improving his squad to contend with a heavy fixture schedule.

In recent months, Brondby striker Mathias Kvistgaarden and Burnley’s Josh Brownhill have emerged as Celtic targets.

Leaning into transfer silly season, Jonjoe Kenny has been linked with a bizarre return to Parkhead. Although he has been steady for Hertha Berlin this term, there is virtually no chance of a move materialising in January after his unfateful 2021 loan spell.

However, it does serve as a reminder that the transfer window opens in three weeks. Deals are there to be done for Celtic, and they could land one of their reported targets at half-price if reports are anything to go by.

Celtic’s pursuit of Lyon midfielder Mahamadou Diawara

Earlier this week, 67 Hail Hail told that Celtic are interested in Lyon midfielder Mahamadou Diawara after unsuccessful attempts in the summer to land the 19-year-old.

Making their move, the Bhoys saw a loan offer with an €8 million buy clause rejected and that was the end of that saga amid Arne Engels’ arrival at the club.

Now, Foot Mercato claim that Lyon would be open to a sale worth €4-5 million (£3.2 million-£4.1 million), which would represent a half-price deal amid his lack of involvement that has resulted in Diawara making only four appearances this term.

Unsurprisingly, the Ligue 1 outfit’s recent financial problems have played a part in their change of tact. The outlet adds that a fee would be ‘very welcome’ after their provisional relegation to Ligue 2 and strict monitoring from French football authorities.

Celtic could land another transfer bargain in Diawara

Despite Celtic spending over £30 million in the summer, Paulo Bernardo and Luke McCowan have shown value for money can be had after arriving for a combined £4.5 million.

Diawara would be a little more expensive than the pair, but he would add youthful exuberance in the second half of the campaign as the Bhoys aim to claim more silverware and advance in Europe.

It is hard to make any conclusive judgements on the youngster, who has barely been involved in what is a talented Lyon side this season despite their financial woes.

Nevertheless, Brendan Rodgers is an elite judge of character, so it would be fair to say he passes the litmus test.