Ahmed Kendouci has asked to leave Algerian outfit ES Setif as he looks to force through a move to Scottish Premiership challengers Celtic during the January transfer window, as reported by Liberte.
But could Kendouci’s burning desire to join Daizen Maeda, Reo Hatate and Yosuke Ideguchi at Parkhead twist his arm?
After missing out on Riley McGree to Middlesbrough, the Scottish Sun claimed that Postecoglou had a number of alternative transfer targets in mind.
One of those appears to be Kendouci, a 22-year-old Algeria international who produced 11 goals and 11 assists in all competitions last season.
Will Ahmed Kendouci be Celtic’s final January signing?
According to Liberte, Kendouci is desperate to become the first Algerian footballer in Celtic’s 134-year history.
The technically-gifted attacking midfielder has asked to leave, though title-chasing ES Setif are not exactly in a charitable mood.
“Last season, we missed out on the title because we sold important players in the transfer window,” says Setif coach Nabil Kouki.
“I very much hope and expect that it won’t happen this time.”
Kendouci, also linked with Celtic’s Old Firm rivals Rangers via DZ Foot, is valued at around £1 million.
Celtic have even contacted Madjid Bougherra, the former Algeria international and Ibrox favourite, to paint a clearer picture about their latest transfer target.
Bougherra now works as a coach for the Algerian national team and knows Kendouci well.
It’s fair to say the versatile midfielder is hardly a household name in Glasgow’s East End. Then again, neither were Liel Abada, Kyogo Furuhashi, Reo Hatate, Yosuke Ideguchi, Josip Juranovic and Daizen Maeda.
At this stage, Postecoglou surely deserves the benefit of the doubt when it comes to the transfer market.
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