Brendan Rodgers has been very up front that changes were coming to Celtic’s squad in the January transfer window. He wants the team he likes to be in place over the summer so the Bhoys can make easier work of Champions League qualifying.
One of the biggest areas of need has been in the midfield, and Rodgers tipped his hand early with a failed pursuit of United States international Darlington Nagbe.
There were other options out there, and Rodgers didn’t waste much time adding a different option. Reports from BBC Scotland and other outlets have Celtic paying either a £2.5 million or £3 million fee to Krasnodar for 19-year-old midfielder Kouassi Eboue.
Who?
We’re guessing that is the reaction most of you have, since the Russian Premier League outfit isn’t exactly a world commodity and certainly most of its players aren’t known quantities either.
What we do know about him and the deal is that some final things need to be worked out, including a work permit as Eboue is an Ivory Coast-born player. That may be the most interesting stumbling block, as Eboue has yet to feature for the full national team, but has played in the Europa League.
Eboue is hoping to get all the paperwork in order in hopes of joining the club in Dubai for its camp over the winter break according to reports.
That said, scouts have described Eboue as an all-around player who likes to take control as a holding midfielder.
Holding midfielder is music to most Celtic fans ears, as Rodgers has searched all season for a quality option to pair with Scott Brown. Does that mean Eboue would step in and be the answer?
If his play for Krasnodar in the Europa League this season is any indication, Celtic may have struck something magical in this signing. His overall play made him more than a good piece for the future, and eventually made Krasnodar put him permanently on the first team.
Heck, he even scored the loan goal in a 1-0 win over Birkirkara in its Europa League qualifier (yes, even the Europa League has qualifiers).
Instead of just featuring in Europa League play, Eboue thrust himself in to the regular starting lineup with some great overall play. He started all six group stage matches, helping lead his side to the round of 32 coming up and has featured in 18 overall matches for the Russian side so far this year.
That’s not to say he is a perfectly polished player just yet though.
At 19 years old, he is also a player ripe for some added seasoning from Brendan Rodgers. It is hard to argue with is track record of improving young players in to stars. Just look at what he’s been able to do for Moussa Dembele this season and throughout his career from Watford to Swansea and Liverpool.
One area that should be of concern is Eboue’s “youthful” nature when decisions go against him. He completely lost his cool earlier this year when the ref didn’t give a decision in his favor and eventually got a red card in the match.
I mean, that is some pretty bad stuff there and may remind many Celtic supporters of one Scott Brown back in the day.
Broony is sure to be an influence on the fiery youngster, perhaps imparting some of his wisdom on how best to channel the passion in a better way. Let’s remember Broony was once the same type of player, willing to fly off at the handle, fight or get stuck in to a rash tackle.
He still has some of those traits, but he has found a bit more mellow edge to him over the years, and at 19 years old, Eboue should have plenty of time to listen and mature as a player.
Next: 5 Players Celtic Should Be Willing to Sell in January
We’ll see if the work permit gets sorted, but Celtic may have gotten a very interesting signing for a relative bargain once again.