French Report: Celtic-linked Ligue 2 winger wants January move; hasn't returned to training

By David Walton

January 4, 2022

Celtic-linked Ligue 2 winger Zinedine Ferhat wants a move this month and hasn’t returned to training with his club, according to French outlet Objectif Gard.

Ange Postecoglou’s men were first linked with a move for Ferhat last week. Foot Mercato reported that Celtic hold an interest in the player, as well as French clubs AS Saint-Etienne and Montpellier respectively.

The player is available on a pre-contract with his deal up at the end of the season. However, Nimes-based outlet Objectif Gard state the player wants out now.

The report claims that Ferhat hasn’t returned to training with Nimes ahead of their return to action from the winter break this weekend. Instead, he’s said to be back in his homeland of Algeria awaiting his agent to find him a new club.

It hasn’t been a productive first half of the campaign for the 28-year-old. He hasn’t bagged any goals or assists in any of his 7 appearances this term. It’s a far cry from his 6 goals and 10 assists in Ligue 1 last season [Transfermarkt]. Unfortunately, however, relegation to the second division has seen the player’s performance levels drop as he looks for an out.

The Daily Record reported before the new year that Postecoglou is still in the market for another winger.

Zinedine Ferhat makes his transfer stance clear; will Celtic move?

What makes Ferhat such an attractive proposition is his adaptability. He can play either on the right or left flank. That kind of versatility is something that would undoubtedly make Postecoglou take to the player.

In addition to that, Ferhat has international experience with 13 caps to his name. Granted, his poor form this season has seen him drop out of the Algerian national team.

At 28, he certainly has plenty of experience to his name. He’s racked up over 100 appearances in Ligue 2 and just under 60 in Ligue 1. With another over 100 games in Algeria’s top flight, Ferhat has made a fine career for himself so far.

But it looks as though he’s ready for that next step. The big question is whether he’s ready to leave his comfort zone of France and taste something new. The likes of Montpellier or Saint-Etienne could provide him with a swift return to one of the top leagues in world football.

However, a move to Celtic could give him several things he’s yet to experience. His only success in terms of trophy wins came back in his homeland. He has 2 Algerian top-flight titles and an Algerian Cup under his belt. A move to Parkhead could see him seriously battling for honours for the first time in 5 years, and in a much more high-pressure environment.

In addition to that, Ferhat has yet to experience European football. With Celtic a constant when it comes to Euro competition, that’s another carrot that can be dangled in front of him. All eyes on where this one goes next.

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