It would be safe to say that Celtic are looking to sign a winger before the winter transfer window closes. That has to be the case, considering how many wingers they have been linked with in recent days. Fares Ghedjemis is one of them. Another is Demir Redzic. But one cannot forget that the Hoops have held talks to bring in Jesurun Rak-Sakyi from Crystal Palace as well.
In fact, this interest goes back to the summer transfer window, when they had failed to land the signature of Rak-Sakyi. Will it be second time lucky for Celtic?
Well, unfortunately, it does not look like things are shaping up that way. It was believed that Celtic only wanted to include an option to buy in the loan deal for Rak-Sakyi, while Crystal Palace were looking for an obligation.
Now, as reported by Joe Krishnan, Rak-Sakyi has decided to join Stoke City on loan with an obligation to buy. Potters are aware of his knee issue but are willing to take risk to sign him. AS Monaco are believed to have shown late interest as well, but the winger had already made his mind.
Rak-Sakyi makes decision after Celtic talks
Out of all the wingers Celtic have been linked with in the past few days, there is no doubt that Rak-Sakyi looks most first-team ready. He is proven in multiple leagues. And his ceiling might very well be the highest as well.
But as has often been the case, it looks like Celtic have not been able to get a deal over the line despite holding talks. One can only hope that they are ultimately able to bring in another winger.
Yang Hyun-jun has been brilliant lately, and deserves a ton of credit for how he has turned his Celtic career around. But other than him, the club do not have a genuine option on the flanks.