Scottish giants Celtic have been dealt a blow in the chase to sign Bnei Yehuda midfielder Ismaila Soro in the ongoing January transfer window.
Sky Sports in Scotland claim that the Hoops are yet to strike an agreement for the Ivorian midfielder. Sky also say that they’ve been dealt a blow in their hopes of signing the 21-year-old as Belgian side Genk are also in the chase for him.
Celtic fans: Would you be gutted if Soro doesn't join?
We have to make do with Brown then
I'll be gutted
Yehuda manager Elisha Levy has already confirmed that a deal has been agreed in principle for Soro, but Sky are suggesting otherwise. There seems to be more work to be done in the deal for the Hoops.
Doing well in Israel
At the age of 21, Soro has become a regular for Yehuda. So far this season, he has been a consistent presence in the middle of the park for the Israeli side.
So far this season, the Ivorian has made 23 appearances in all competitions for the club. He is yet to score or assist, having picked up four yellow cards. He was a regular for the club last season too, playing in midfield. He made 35 appearances in all competitions, picking up four assists.
The 2017-18 campaign was his first in the club’s first-team. He made seven appearances for the club.
TIF Tactics
The fact that Genk are in the race and that a deal with Celtic hasn’t been agreed doesn’t mean that the move will not happen. Although, it’s definitely a blow as the Hoops will now have to fend off competition from a team who were plying their trade in the Champions League earlier on this season, as well as needing to outbid the Belgian side, which could potentially raise his price.
Soro will add a good amount of depth to the Hoops’ midfield. Considering Scott Brown and Callum McGregor have made 36 appearances in all competitions each, they would need a bit of rest between now and the end of the season.
Getting Soro in would allow them some time on the bench. The Ivorian can come in and get some first-team football. At 21, he’s a player from whom the club could make a significant profit on in the future too.