The 23-year-old was previously linked with Hoops during the summer transfer window
David Datro Fofana(Image: Ulrik Pedersen/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Celtic have reignited their interest in Chelsea forward David Datro Fofana – with the Premier League giants said to be keen to sell the striker this month.
Ivory Coast international Fofana was linked with the Hoops late in the summer window following their failure to sign Kasper Dolberg, who rejected a move to Parkhead in favour of returning to Ajax.
Interim boss Martin O’Neill is desperate for reinforcements in the striking department, and while the likes of Callum Wilson, Kieron Bowie and Ibrahima Diabate have all been touted, reported target Wessam Abou Ali has committed his future at Columbus Crew.
But according to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, Fofana is back on their radar. The 22-year-old is currently on loan at Turkish Super Lig side Fatih Karagümrük, where he has found form by netting seven times in 14 matches. He joined Chelsea from Molde back in 2022 and has spent time out on loan at Union Berlin, Burnley and Goztepe.
However, it’s added the frontman is also a target for Derby County in the English Championship and Belgian Pro League outfit Royal Antwerp. Celtic have made just one signing in the January window so far, with Mexico full back Julian Araujo arriving on a loan deal from Bournemouth just days before Wilfried Nancy was given the boot.
Following the departure of head of football operations Paul Tisdale – who followed the Frenchman out the door – veteran manager O’Neill admits he is having to try and spearhead the club’s recruitment drive himself following the mess left behind by the previous transfer team.
He said: “I agree, it is vital, I’m well aware I’m not going to minimise it. I promise I am not sitting on my backside, I’m trying my best. I’d be very hopeful of bringing a few in. I am in the process of looking at these.
“Away back in my first spell as manager, I had time to do that before I was bringing people in. I had that all prepared. Unfortunately, it’s me, and haven’t got this prepared now at this minute. Because I had Christmas at home, not expecting this.
“Yes, things have been put to me and I’m trying to do as much as I can. “Eventually, I may just have to rely on someone else’s judgement, like Shaun’s or Fozzy or someone else, and then go for it. I’m not saying something here now, so that three months down the line I’m doing an interview saying ‘well, it was their fault.’ No, it’ll be down to me.
Martin O’Neill(Image: SNS Group)
“It’s a difficult one. If Rangers and Hearts have had a head start then, at this minute, I can’t do much about that.
“You’re just dealing with one at a time. Honestly, we’ll get some people in. “It’s just that when you mention about Rangers and Hearts and I go out of here, oh, good Lord. You don’t make me feel great!”
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