Celtic are looking to bring in new options all across the pitch this summer. One of the areas where the club are trying to improve is centre-back. Those ranks have been significantly weakened over the past few days. Maik Nawrocki has joined Hannover on loan with an option to buy clause. Gustaf Lagerbielke has completed a permanent move to SC Braga. And Stephen Welsh is drawing interest from KV Mechelen, although that might be in doubt after his recent injury.
So, it would be unsurprising if Celtic look to sign a centre-back or two this summer. They have already brought in Hayato Inamura from Albirex Niigata although it is uncertain whether he will be part of the first-team or go out on loan.
There are a few more centre-backs on their radar. And it looks like one of them is set to depart this summer, although there is heavy competition for his signature.
As reported by Fabrizio Romano, Etienne Youte Kinkoue can leave Le Havre as his current deal expires in June 2026. The asking price is around €5 million as the player wants to take the next step and the French club need to bring in transfer fees as Burnley, Sheffield Utd and FC Koln are showing concrete interest.
'Concrete interest' - Fabrizio Romano drops news on €5m Celtic target
Youte is a physical centre-back, standing at 6 feet 5. He would add some size to this Celtic team, something that they are missing right now.
Also, he has played a decent bit of Ligue 1 football with Le Havre. At one point in time, he was part of the Inter Milan youth system.
Let's see what the future holds for Youte. It is interesting that Romano did not mention Celtic as one of the clubs showing interest in the centre-back. But reports coming out of France have suggested that the Hoops want him.