“Celtic on Brink of Second January Deal’ After Wilfried Nancy Drops Target Medical Completed and Contract Exposed Romano-Confirms”

Celtic on Brink of Second January Deal After Wilfried Nancy Drops Target Medical Completed and Contract Exposed

Celtic are edging closer to completing what could be their second signing of the January transfer window, with highly rated Ivorian winger Jocelin Ta Bi understood to have completed a medical ahead of a proposed move to Glasgow. The 19 year old is now expected to finalise personal terms after his previous suitor moved on, clearing the path for the Scottish champions to act decisively.

Ta Bi, currently on loan at Hapoel Petah Tikva from Maccabi Netanya, has been on the radar of several clubs across Europe following an eye catching run of performances that have marked him out as one of the most exciting young wide players emerging from the Israeli league this season. His pace, directness and confidence in one on one situations have drawn comparisons to a modern wide forward rather than a traditional winger.

Celtic’s interest intensified in recent days after Wilfried Nancy, whose side had been monitoring the player closely, opted to drop him as a priority target. That decision opened the door for Celtic to move quickly, with sources indicating the club wasted little time in arranging a medical and accelerating talks over a long term contract.

The winger, born on February 9, 2005, in Attécoubé, Cote d’Ivoire, is viewed as a player with significant upside rather than a finished article. Standing out for his explosive acceleration and willingness to take responsibility in the final third, Ta Bi has impressed scouts with his ability to stretch defences, create space for teammates and contribute decisively in transition.

Celtic’s recruitment team are believed to see him as a development signing who can be integrated gradually into the first team environment while benefiting from the club’s strong track record of improving young attacking players. The Scottish champions have increasingly targeted emerging talent with resale potential, and Ta Bi fits that profile precisely.

While exact contract details have not been officially confirmed, reports suggest the deal would see Celtic secure the player on a multi year agreement, ensuring both stability and protection of value should his development accelerate as expected. Discussions between the clubs are understood to be advanced, with optimism growing that the move will be completed imminently.

Ta Bi began his professional journey with Maccabi Netanya, where he quickly attracted attention before being sent on loan to Hapoel Petah Tikva to gain regular first team football. That decision has proven fruitful, with the winger using the opportunity to showcase his attacking instincts and maturity beyond his years.

Despite his growing reputation and transfer interest from clubs such as Celtic, Ta Bi remains relatively unknown to the wider football audience. He does not yet have a full standalone profile on major encyclopaedic platforms, though he is listed across team pages and recognised transfer databases, highlighting how quickly his career trajectory has accelerated.

From Celtic’s perspective, the timing of the deal is significant. The club have already signalled their intent to strengthen during the January window, aiming to add depth and competition across key areas as they balance domestic demands with European ambitions. A second signing would underline that intent and provide manager Brendan Rodgers with additional attacking options for the second half of the season.

There is also an awareness within the club that planning for the future is as important as addressing immediate needs. With potential departures always a possibility in upcoming windows, investing early in young talent allows Celtic to stay ahead of the curve rather than reacting under pressure.

Supporters are likely to view the move with cautious optimism. While Ta Bi may not arrive as a guaranteed starter, his profile aligns with previous successful signings who initially flew under the radar before becoming influential figures at the club. The emphasis will be on patience, adaptation and providing the right environment for the winger to flourish.

Should the deal be finalised, Ta Bi would become one of the youngest players in Celtic’s senior squad, but also one of the most intriguing. His journey from Attécoubé to Glasgow would represent another example of Celtic’s expanding global recruitment reach and their willingness to back potential as much as proven pedigree.

An official announcement is now expected once final paperwork is completed, with all indications suggesting Celtic are on the brink of sealing a move that could pay dividends well beyond the current season.