Birmingham City and Wolves are also reported to be tracking the forward.
Celtic have reportedly entered a competitive race involving Birmingham City, Wolves and several other clubs for a highly sought-after winger.
Martin O’Neill is eager to strengthen his squad as he pushes for Premiership title success following his return to the Celtic dugout, working closely alongside player-pathway chief Shaun Maloney. Reinforcements are on the agenda, and one name now being linked is Philip Otele.
The versatile attacker, who can operate both out wide and through the middle, has been with Swiss outfit FC Basel since last year after spells with CFR Cluj and Al Wahda. Transfer insider Ben Jacobs claims Celtic are among a group of clubs monitoring Otele’s situation after Basel lowered their valuation.
Otele has registered 17 goals and seven assists in 51 appearances for Basel, making him one of the most productive wide forwards in the Swiss league.
Latest on Philip Otele to Celtic
Posting on X, Jacobs said:
“Philip Otele is expected to leave Basel this winter. Basel have reduced their asking price and are open to offers above €7m. Birmingham City remain interested, while Wolves also have him on a shortlist of targets. Celtic, Lazio and Bournemouth have also made enquiries. Otele has 13 goal contributions this season and was close to joining Fulham last summer.”
Basel have previously outlined what Otele brings to the table. Sporting director Daniel Stucki said at the time of his signing:
“Philip Otele is a very explosive player who adds a new dynamic to our attacking play with his physical strength. Despite his age, he already has valuable experience and gives us a strong option both on the wing and up front.”
For now, O’Neill’s immediate focus is on securing three points away at Falkirk. Speaking ahead of the clash, he said:
“The Falkirk game is a big test for us. They’re in excellent form at the moment. Even when we beat them earlier, I thought they were very strong and it took goals at key moments to turn the game in our favour.”
Meanwhile, Kieran Tierney has praised the impact O’Neill has had since replacing Wilfried Nancy as Celtic boss.
“It was disappointing to lose so many games in a short space of time — that’s never acceptable at Celtic,” Tierney said. “But since the new staff came in, the confidence has returned. The routine feels familiar again and you can see the momentum building.”
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