Sunderland have completed their hijack of Celtic’s move to sign Jocelin Ta Bi, according to Fabrizio Romano.
Ivorian winger Ta Bi has been linked to the Hoops for almost a month now, and at one point, it looked like he was set for a move to Glasgow.
However, issues with a medical were reported, leading Celtic to press pause on the move. This was when Sunderland were reported to be in pole position to sign the 20-year-old instead.
In another twist earlier this week, Celtic reportedly sent Ta Bi to London for a second medical with a specialist, with Scottish sources denying an imminent move to Sunderland.
But football’s most-followed journalist has seemingly quashed this narrative, and this bizarre saga now seems to be over.
What would you do?
Fabrizio Romano confirms Jocelin Ta Bi will join Sunderland instead of Celtic
Ta Bi has impressed while on loan at Hapoel Petah Tikva from Maccabi Netanya in Israel.
His move to Celtic seemed so certain that he was openly discussing his excitement to come to Glasgow in the media.
READ MORE: Hibs hero says he ‘knows’ what Kieron Bowie is thinking about Celtic interest
But the Premier League interest has seemingly turned the player’s head, if Romano is to be believed.
Romano reports that Celtic had a verbal agreement in place to sign Ta Bi, but Sunderland have ‘hijacked’ the move.
No mention of a medical… so this leaves a fair bit of ambiguity over whether Celtic’s move stalling was truly due to an injury issue, or they just couldn’t get the deal over the line.
The Black Cats are flying high in the Premier League, following their promotion via the play-offs. Whether they see Ta Bi as capable of instantly contributing is uncertain.
But if he can make his impact at the highest level, this could well be another ‘what if’ Celtic transfer rumour, where the club missed out on a future star.
Back to the drawing board, then, if the Hoops are to pursue a right-winger in the January window… as well as a striker and centre half.
Let’s hear your predictions!
What Jocelin Ta Bi said about Celtic
When he thought his move was complete, Ta Bi spoke out on his move to Celtic, and seemed ecstatic.
He said: “Playing for a club like Celtic is a dream come true for me.
“But without the support and love I received in Israel, I would not have reached these levels. The decision to come here and the trust I received from the club and my friends led me to progress.
“I will not forget the period I have had on loan at Hapoel Petah Tikva and the love and warmth that surrounded me.
“I am going to fulfil a big dream, at a famous club and in one of the best stadiums in the world.”
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