Celtic’s £2 million misfit Ismaila Soro could turn down a move to French outfit Valenciennes even after the Scottish Premiership champions agreed a fee for the seldom-seen midfielder.
On Tuesday, one of Britain’s biggest clubs were hit with the news that – even after green-lighting the sale of a player who appears to have no real future under his current manager – the player himself could call off the move after seemingly getting cold feet.
And we are not talking about Manchester United’s attempts to send Harry Maguire to West Ham.
According to Foot Mercato, Celtic ‘agreed’ a fee of just £130,000 for Ismaila Soro with Valenciennes. A £2 million signing from Israeli outfit Bnei Yehuda back in January 2020, Soro has less than 12 months left on his Parkhead contract. A fact which explains why Celtic are willing to accept such a minimal fee for his signature.
Foot Mercato, however, add that Soro would prefer a return to Israel instead. Beitar Jerusalem appears to be his preferred destination.
Celtic struggling to finalise Ismaila Soro sale
It certainly feels like a long time since Soro was arriving at Celtic after being labelled the finest footballer in Israel, and amid comparisons with World Cup winner N’Golo Kante.
The 25-year-old Ivory Coast international spent last season on loan at Arouca in Portugal. He has also reportedly turned down a move to Panathinakos after coming ‘very close’ to joining the Greek giants as a replacement for the Rangers-linked Dimitrios Kourbelis.
In more positive news for Brendan Rodgers’ Hoops side, Celtic appear to be on the verge of replacing Carl Starfelt with another ball-playing, Swedish centre-half. Gustaf Lagerbielke is reportedly arriving from Elfsborg for a cool £3 million.
“(Lagerbielke) is a very good player,” Elfsborg team-mate Johan Larsson says via Aftonbladet. “It’s fun for him but sad for us if he leaves now.
“It’s part of life in Elfsborg. If Gustaf leaves, he is well worth the opportunity. He is a future national team defender.
“It’s not something we can stand and cry about. When the big clubs come knocking on the door, it’s hard to say no for both player and club.”
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