John McGinn reportedly wants to leave Hibernian and sign for Scottish Premiership neighbours Celtic – what does this mean for Eboue Kouassi?
Hibernian manager Neil Lennon believes that John McGinn’s move to Celtic ‘might never happen’ – but it seems that the Scotland international is determined to ensure that it does.
According to the Daily Record, Celtic are confident of landing the 23-year-old despite having three bids, the latest reported to be £2 million, rejected. Hibs want £4 million in order to part company with their talisman.
McGinn, however, has reportedly made it clear that he sees his future at Parkhead. And, with just a year left on his contract, he is prepared to wait until January in order to sign a pre-contract agreement with his boyhood club.
And this should spur one player who is already at Celtic into life.
Eboue Kouassi moved to Scotland from FC Krasnodar for £3 million in January 2017 but has struggled badly to make an impact, making just 17 appearances in all competitions. And the Scottish Sun reported in June that Celtic could be ready to get rid with clubs in Belgium, France and Germany interested.
Since then, there has been little movement. But the fact that Eboue has played just 22 minutes of Celtic’s three Champions League qualifiers so far doesn’t bode well – especially as it seems only a matter of time before McGinn arrives.
So Eboue might have until January to prove to Brendan Rodgers that he deserves a fresh start with McGinn waiting in the wings. If he fails to force his way into the starting XI between now and then, he could be finished at Parkhead.
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