Soufiane El-Faouzi is reportedly open to joining Celtic this summer.
That’s despite a long queue forming for the midfielder this summer, with Premier League clubs among those interested.
Schalke reportedly want £10 million at least if they are to part ways with the 22-year-old, having just ended a three-year wait for a return to the Bundesliga.
But with a significant rebuild ahead for Celtic, especially in the midfield area, El-Faouzi could be a worthwhile investment.
Do you expect Celtic to break their record transfer fee this summer? (£11m)
Celtic face battle to sign Schalke’s Soufiane El-Faouzi
Mark Hendry writes for CeltsAreHere that El-Faouzi is opening to the idea of joining Celtic this summer, with Champions League football a temptation.
However, the price tag is an obvious complication.
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Brentford, Bologna and Sunderland have all also been credited with an interest in the midfielder, who started each of Schalke’s 34 league games this season.
It would undoubtedly be an ambitious signing if the Hoops were to pull it off. The Parkhead wage bill pales in comparison to those of the other interested clubs.
However, there is some kind of precedent with this kind of summer signing in the shape of Arne Engels, who was also brought to Glasgow from the German top-flight.
At £11 million, Engels was the club’s record transfer when signed in 2024. The club are expected to turn a profit if he is sold this summer.
Schalke are reportedly reluctant to part ways with El-Faouzi, understandably given their promotion. On paper, he profiles similarly to Engels.
Funnily enough, this time last year, El-Faouzi was on the verge of signing for Hearts. He has gone from strength to strength since his Tynecastle move was hijacked by Schalke.
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Midfielders expected to leave Celtic this summer
After serious interest in January, Engels is now expected to leave Celtic, with a host of European clubs chasing the 22-year-old.
Reo Hatate was left out of the matchday squad for the final two games of the season, with the writing seemingly on the wall regarding his future. Paulo Bernardo is also completely out of favour.
A stellar debut season by Benjamin Nygren is also generating interest, and a rapid exit hasn’t been ruled out for the Hoops’ top scorer.
Even captain Callum McGregor hasn’t ruled out an exit, whilst Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain’s contract is now up.
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