Celtic are interested in snapping up ES Setif midfielder Ahmed Kendouci – and the move would be against his manager’s wishes.
Algerian news outlet Liberte report that Celtic want to secure the signing of Kendouci this month as they target more signings.
It’s even stated that Celtic have asked Madjid Bougherra – yes, the former Rangers defender Madjid Bougherra – for information on Kendouci.
ES Setif officials are allegedly willing to let Kendouci go. They see this as a great chance to bring funds into the club, with Celtic ready to pay up.
However, boss Nabil El-Kouki isn’t so keen.
He’s quoted as saying that ES Setif cannot make the same mistakes again having sold Youssef Laaouafi to Etoile du Sahel.
Losing Kendouci would seemingly be a similar situation for El-Kouki, who doesn’t want to lose another key player.
ES Setif sit fourth in Algeria’s top flight, just two points off top spot – and El-Kouki wants to go for the title with Kendouci on board.
Kendouci, 22, primarily plays as a central midfielder but can also feature out wide or as a number 10.
That’s very similar to the profile of Riley McGree, the player Celtic thought they were signing before the deal collapsed this week.
Kendouci has bagged three goals in 10 league games this season, and was outstanding last term. In 34 games, Kendouci racked up 10 goals and nine assists.
Bizarrely, Kendouci has never been capped by Algeria, and he may feel that a move to Europe is his best chance of international recognition.
Celtic can offer that, giving a great platform to the young playmaker if Kendouci makes the move to Glasgow.
A deal seems possible this month, but ES Setif boss El-Kouki will be pleading with his bosses not to let it happen.
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