The January transfer window is now barely a week away.
Celtic have plenty on their plate before then, but we all know already how much Wilfried Nancy could benefit from a bit of forward planning for his squad.
Nancy is familiar with Paul Tisdale, who played a vital role in his appointment. The pair will undoubtedly have discussed what the squad needs in the winter window.
To be frank, there isn’t a lot that it couldn’t do with. Celtic’s transition to a new system with three centre-backs and two wing-backs has been rough, and the team is crying out for a reliable striker.
And one striker who could fit the bill for the goalscorer is Palestine striker Wessam Abou Ali, who knows Nancy well.
How much would you sell Reo Hatate for?
Celtic target enters talks to leave Columbus Crew
It was only in the summer when Ali made the move from Egyptian side Al-Ahli to Columbus Crew, having shone at the Club World Cup.
Beset by injury, Ali has only made five appearances for the Crew – but he’s already managed three goals.
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Columbus General Manager Issa Tall seemed to push back on the suggestion that Ali could move again in January, saying: “Wessam did not sign because we had Wilfried Nancy. He didn’t know who Wilfried was.”
But now, according to Turkish reports via the Daily Record, Ali is ‘in talks’ over a January loan move to Trabzonspor.
The Turkish side currently sit third in the table, and would reportedly be looking to make the move permanent.
Born in Denmark with Palestinian roots, Ali rose to prominence in Denmark and Sweden before making the move to the Egyptian giants.
He put up outrageous goalscoring numbers at Al-Ahly, leading to his move to Columbus. If Nancy remains a fan, a move to Celtic could definitely make sense.
But it looks like the Hoops will face competition for their man, who has scored four times in eleven caps for Palestine.
Would you be in favour of Celtic reuniting Wilfried Nancy with Wessam Abou Ali in January?
Other Celtic striker targets
Louis Munteanu is a long-term Celtic target at this point, but reports have varied over whether or not he is a real possibility for January.
Union Berlin striker Andrej Ilic has also been linked, but his goal record over the last few years is a tad alarming.
Giuseppe Ambrosino could be available on loan, having been earmarked as a Celtic target in the summer. He chose to remain at Napoli, but hasn’t received satisfactory game time this season.
Evan Ferguson is a name being mentioned in the media, but his performance for Roma at Celtic Park certainly indicates that he would be hard to get.
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