Celtic have launched an approach to sign Schalke star Soufiane El-Faouzi ahead of this summer, but will spend big if they want to secure his signature.
Celtic make approach to sign El-Faouzi
Whilst much of the focus is understandably on a frantic battle to secure the Scottish Premiership title, officials at Celtic Park cannot ignore the importance of the summer ahead.
They’ve got to overhaul a struggling squad and do so for their next permanent manager. There’s only so much that Martin O’Neill can bail them out on that front and finally finding a long-term successor to Brendan Rodgers must be the priority.
Beyond that, it’s a summer that should be full of arrivals. Parkhead chiefs have already received their fair share of criticism over lack of spending in the last 12 months, but that must come to an end in the coming months – starting with a record-breaking addition.
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According to Sky Germany, as relayed by Sport Witness, Celtic have now launched an approach to sign El-Faouzi from Schalke this summer. The versatile midfielder played a key role as the German club earned promotion back to the Bundesliga this season, and has attracted plenty of interest as a result.
Alas, he won’t come cheap. Schalke reportedly value El-Faouzi at as much as €12m (£10m), which would make the German Celtic’s most expensive signing since Arne Engels arrived for £11m in 2024.
|
Rank |
Player |
Fee |
Signed from |
Year |
|
1 |
Arne Engels |
£11m |
Augsburg |
2024 |
|
2 |
Adam Idah |
£9.5m |
Norwich City |
2024 |
|
=3 |
Odsonne Edouard |
£8m |
PSG |
2018 |
|
=3 |
Jota |
£8m |
Rennes |
2025 |
|
5 |
Christopher Jullien |
£7m |
Toulouse |
2019 |
Whether the Bhoys value the Schalke star that high remains to be seen, but he’s certainly one to watch.
Big-money El-Faouzi could replace McGregor
It’s no real surprise that Celtic are targeting a big-money midfielder. After all, captain Callum McGregor only has two years left on his current deal and is unlikely to be a long-term solution at 32 years old.
That opens the door to several options, including El-Faouzi. The 23-year-old can play in a deep and advanced role in central midfield and has certainly impressed enough to earn a move this summer.
|
25/26 league stats |
McGregor |
El-Faouzi |
|---|---|---|
|
Minutes |
2,927 |
2,840 |
|
Tackles |
51 |
95 |
|
Recoveries |
201 |
177 |
|
Duel success |
54% |
49% |
|
Chances created |
33 |
49 |
El-Faouzi has been absolutely tireless at the heart of Schalke’s promotion side this season. As a McGregor replacement, he would be an excellent pick.
Like the Celtic captain, his best work comes out of possession – making 95 tackles in Germany’s second division in the current campaign. But that’s not the only standout trait in his game. The 23-year-old has also created more chances than McGregor this season, securing five assists as a result. He’d be worth every penny of his £10m price-tag.
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