Celtic express interest in former Watford ace as O'Neill's transfer 'scramble' for attacking options ensues
The Girona winger was on the books of Watford FC in the EFL Championship.
As Martin O’Neill looks set to make his first signing in the January transfer window, it appears Celtic aren’t resting on their laurels regarding attacking reinforcements.
Borussia Monchengladbach striker Tomas Cvancara travelled to Glasgow on Tuesday night as he prepares for his Parkhead medical. Celtic are after the Czech International on loan and are hoping to get him through the door before Sunday’s top of the table clash with Hearts.
With fans getting increasingly frustrated with The Hoops’ lack of transfer movement, while the new addition of Cvancara will be welcomed, O’Neill is still on the lookout for further attacking options. However, as with the home straight of the January window on the horizon, he is now up against the clock to do so.
Celtic express ‘interest’ in Girona ace
While they have now somewhat strengthened up front, O’Neill is now also looking to bolster the flanks. According to the Daily Record: “Celtic reportedly hold an interest in Girona winger Yaser Asprilla as the club scramble to hand Martin O’Neill more attacking options.”
Spanish media outlet AS report that a move for the Colombian is ‘imminent’ as he has struggled for game time so far this season. Despite making 27 appearances last year and notching four goal involvements, he has since mostly been dropped to the bench.
Asprilla made the move from Watford to Girona in 2024 after an impressive two seasons for the Championship side, where he made 86 appearances. His exploits at Vicarage Road earned him his first of 11 caps for Colombia, who now have competition for places ahead of the summer’s World Cup. Ajax, Marseille and West Ham have also expressed an interest in his services.
Clock ticks for more Hoops bodies
Julian Araujo remains the only Celtic addition of the January transfer window, as the Bournemouth full back was signed on loan by former boss Wilfried Nancy until the end of the season. Since O’Neill has returned to the club, results on the pitch have vastly improved, however the lack of activity in the window is worrying sections of the Celtic support, who were chanting ‘sign a player’ at Rugby Park on Sunday in their 2-0 victory over Auchinleck Talbot.
West Ham striker Callum Wilson has been linked with a Parkhead move, with the veteran timely scoring the winner against Spurs last weekend at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. However, this may be a setback for the Hoops, as it indicates the Englishman is still part of Nuno Espirito Santo’s plans.
Chelsea’s David Detro Fofana is another player on O’Neill’s shortlist, however The Blues are looking for £10 million for their marksman. The Ivorian has been loaned out four times in as many years, with the most recent being to Turkish Superliga side, Fatih Karagumruk, however they’re not looking for a permanent deal.