Ferencvaros president Gabor Kubatov admits he is ‘open’ to selling Aissa Laidouni as Scottish Premiership champions Celtic eye up the £3.5 million World Cup colossus, speaking to Nemzeti Sport.
From Sofyan Amrabat to Azzedine Ounahi, Mohammed Kudus to Laidouni; a whole host of hitherto under-the-radar talent have certainly done their hopes of a post-tournament transfer no harm at all with some outstanding displays on the biggest of stages.
Laidouni, for instance, was the rock at the heart of Tunisia’s concrete-carved side. The North African nation conceded only one goal despite bowing out in the group-stages, with Laidouni shining in the 1-0 victory over an admittedly-weakened France side in Qatar.
According to FootMercato, the 26-year-old is now a January target for the likes of Celtic, Wolfsburg and a host of English based clubs.
Celtic could sign Tunisia’s World Cup ace Aissa Laidouni
“Many people are interested,” admits Kubatov, president of reigning Hungarian champions Ferencvaros. “We haven’t received a specific offer yet. But I’m sure it will come.
“He played at a very high level at the World Cup. And, if we receive an offer that is worth considering, we are open to negotiations.
“We have to find the right balance too. If we can sell someone for good money, we can get more benefits from that. On the one hand, we can use the income to bring in new football players.”
Laidouni was named the Hungarian top-flight’s Player of the Year in 2021, and has won three trophies in the last two seasons. His contract expires in just over six months’ time, however. As such, FootMercato believe that Ferencvaros would sell for a fee of around £3.5 million. Interestingly, Celtic have already shown an interest in Laidouni’s club-mate Ryan Mmaee.
A replacement for Oliver Abildgaard?
A defensive midfielder by trade, Laidouni is known to make an impact in the final third too. Last season, as Ferencvaros secured a league and cup double, the former Angers man scored four goals and set up seven more.
At Celtic, meanwhile, he could be a replacement for Danish enforcer Oliver Abildgaard. Parent club Rubin Kazan have already made it clear that Abildgaard will not be staying at Parkhead beyond this season.
“Abildgaard has a two-year contract (Rubin Kazan),” explains director Oleg Yarovinsky. “For the season, he goes to Celtic.
“A loan implies various options and obligations (for a potential permanent move). But, in fact, this is a lease for a year. After that, he will return to us. Then we will be able to consider more profitable offers for his sale than we could get now.”
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