SHOCKING REASON FOFANA COULD BE ON HIS WAY TO CELTIC AMID BAMBA CHASE
The 24-year-old striker returned to form during a productive six-month loan with Fatih Karagümrük, rediscovering his scoring touch and reminding clubs across Europe of the potential that convinced Chelsea to sign him from Molde back in 2022. That resurgence has now prompted the London club to actively push for a sale, with Fofana expected to depart west London in the coming days.
Celtic’s interest in the Ivory Coast international is nothing new. The Scottish champions explored the possibility of a deal before the end of the summer transfer window, but Fofana ultimately opted for a move to the Turkish Super Lig instead. Now, with his confidence restored and goals back on the board, his name has resurfaced on Celtic’s radar alongside Championship outfit Derby County, who are also monitoring the situation closely.
With Chelsea keen to cash in and Fofana ready for a fresh start, the coming days are shaping up to be decisive. A permanent exit looks inevitable, and Celtic are once again being mentioned as a realistic destination should they choose to act quickly.
Meanwhile, Fofana is not the only forward under consideration. Martin O’Neill has openly suggested he would welcome the arrival of two new strikers during this window, a clear signal that reinforcements are a priority rather than a luxury. One name firmly in the frame is Mohamed Bamba of Lorient.
Bamba’s situation in France appears to be reaching a breaking point. The 24-year-old has recently been involved in disciplinary issues and has reportedly fallen out of favour, with French outlet Onze Mondial describing him as part of Lorient’s so-called “bomb squad” a group of players expected to be moved on. An exit this month has long been anticipated, and Celtic have been tracking his progress closely.
Reports from France claim that a loan proposal with an option to buy has already been submitted, suggesting that talks are progressing behind the scenes. With Lorient open to offloading the striker, a deal could accelerate rapidly if Celtic decide he fits their plans.
All of this unfolds against a backdrop of growing frustration among the Celtic support. During the recent Scottish Cup victory over Auchinleck Talbot, fans made their feelings clear by chanting “Sign a player”, underlining the impatience surrounding the club’s slow movement in the transfer market.
O’Neill is fully aware of the pressure and the timing could hardly be more critical. With a huge league showdown against title rivals Hearts looming next Sunday at Tynecastle, Celtic know that fresh faces are needed not just for depth, but to send a message. The expectation is clear: signings must arrive, and soon.
Which Striker Fits Celtic Better: Fofana or Bamba?
David Datro Fofana appears to be the more ready-made option for Celtic right now. He has recent European experience, is coming off a strong run of goals in Turkey, and offers physical presence, pace, and the ability to play as a lone striker. Crucially, he has already been on Celtic’s radar before, meaning the club knows exactly what they’d be getting. If Celtic want an immediate impact player who can hit the ground running in a title race, Fofana fits that brief.
Mohamed Bamba, on the other hand, represents more of a project signing. While he has raw pace and potential, his recent disciplinary issues at Lorient raise question marks about consistency and reliability. A loan deal with an option to buy reduces financial risk, but it also suggests Celtic would be taking a gamble on whether he can settle quickly and deliver under pressure.
Verdict:
If Celtic need goals now to steady the season and respond to growing fan pressure, Fofana is the safer and more effective choice. Bamba could be one for the future, but Fofana looks better suited to Celtic’s immediate needs in a tight title race.
