Celtic-linked striker with burning desire to 'win trophies' set for January transfer - but it's not to Parkhead
The prolific Columbus Crew forward is keen to keep playing in Europe during the MLS off-season
Celtic-linked forward Wessam Abou Ali is reportedly 'in talks' to sign for Turkish SuperLig outfit Trabzonspor on loan in January.
The 26-year-old Palestine international joined MLS side Columbus Crew in the summer for £5.7 million and played under current Hoops boss Wilfried Nancy, but the prolific hitman is now understood to be attracting serious interest from clubs in Europe.
And a fresh report in Turkey claims that Trabzonspor have already opened discussions with Crew over a potential loan deal, with the player thought to be keen on a move during the MLS off-season.
Danish-born Abou Ali, who scored 28 goals in 35 matches for Egyptian giants Al Ahly before heading Stateside, is contracted to the US club until December 2027. He gained previous experience of European football during stints with Scandinavian sides’ Aalborg, Vendsyssel, Silkeborg and IK Sirius earlier in his career.
There were strong rumours that a reunion with Nancy in Glasgow’s east end was on the cards following the Frenchman’s appointment almost three weeks ago. His national team boss Ihab Abu Jazar even suggested he had “almost certainly” persuaded Abou Ali to make the move to the Scottish champions.
However, that no longer seems to be the case with Turkey now his likely next destination.
Wessam Abou Ali open up on club ambitions
Following his July transfer to Columbus Crew, Abou Ali expressed his desire to win silverware at club level, stating: “I want to win, I want to win trophies. That’s really the main reason I came.”
He also noted his decision to join Crew stemmed from it being a “club with an idea, with ambitions that play the best football in the MLS.”
It’s a crucial first transfer window for Nancy as he searches for players who will be suited to playing his favoured 3-4-3 system and a striker will be a top priority amid a serious lack of options at present.
CEO Michael Nicholson confirmed last week that Nancy would receive financial backing, but it remains to be seen how much funds he is given to bring in reinforcements with a number of players being touted with a mid-season switch to Celtic Park.