Jocelin Ta Bi’s move to Celtic is not dead in the water yet, after all.
Celtic had agreed a deal for the Ivorian winger, who is contracted to Maccabi Netanya, and club officials had travelled to Israel to finalise the deal.
However, at the eleventh hour, Ta Bi’s move collapsed – and depending on who you believe, this was either caused by medical concerns, a late breakdown in negotiations, or possibly both.
In a new development on Tuesday, it was said that Ta Bi was close to joining Sunderland, in a surprise development given how his Celtic move fell through.
But in what is turning into a fairly absurd saga, we now have another chapter.
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Jocelin Ta Bi could still join Celtic despite Sunderland links
Ankle ligament damage had reportedly shown up in Ta Bi’s medical, indicating that he required surgery.
This led to Celtic backing out of the deal, but the Sunderland reports indicated that there was more to this story.
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And there is. Reports in Israel via the Daily Record now state that Celtic have asked for a second opinion on Ta Bi’s medical issue.
He will reportedly travel to London to see a specialist, and if given the all-clear, could still sign for Celtic after all.
Despite the Sunderland links emerging from France, the report also says that his agents have played down the possibility of a move to the Black Cats.
If nothing else, this development makes it clear that Celtic are huge fans of Ta Bi. A 20-year-old left-footed right-winger, the deal agreed is reportedly worth £2.5 million.
He has only played senior football in Israel, initially in the second tier before taking the top-flight by storm this season.
Will we ever see him in a Celtic shirt? His fate is seemingly in the hands of the specialist in London, who the Hoops are hanging their hat on.
Does Jocelin Ta Bi come in as an instant starter for Celtic?
Jocelin Ta Bi on his move to 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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