Celtic have a ton of quality in the middle of the park already but the Hoops are always on the lookout for the next big thing. Also, there are players whose futures at Parkhead are uncertain. Odin Thiago Holm is someone who almost seems certain to leave at some point soon. Reo Hatate is someone who has been linked with a move to the Premier League in the past as well and English clubs might return as the Japanese international has made a return to form and fitness.
So, Celtic might need to make an addition in midfield at some point in the future. And one of the players they have been linked with in recent times appears to be eyeing an exit.
As reported by L'Equipe (via Get French Football News), Mahamadou Diawara has informed Lyon of his desire to leave the club in January, either on loan or on a permanent basis. Nantes, Reims, Stade Brestois, Montpellier and Celtic all showed interest in the midfielder in the summer. Some of those teams may return to try their luck again next month, given recent developments.
Diawara was considered one of the brightest prospects in French football not too long ago. But the 19-year-old has only been handed 4 appearances this season at Lyon. Also, all of them came earlier in the campaign. So, it is not hard to understand why he wants to leave.
Lyon player wants to leave in January amid Celtic links
Diawara would be exactly the type of player that Celtic like to sign. He has the potential to develop and move on for a significantly higher transfer fee in the future.
While it is never nice to see important players leave, that is the model which has been the basis of Celtic's success in the modern game. Otherwise, it is difficult for a Scottish club to keep up these days.
Of course, it will be interesting to see whether Celtic do end up making a move for Diawara or not. It is worth pointing out that the club did sign two midfielders late in the summer window, Luke McCowan and Arne Engels.