Celtic closing in on £2m deal for Ivory Coast winger

Celtic are closing in on a deal for Ivory Coast winger Jocelin Ta Bi after tabling an improved bid, which could see Wilfried Nancy secure his first permanent addition amid increasing pressure on the manager…

Jocelin Ta Bi in action for Hapoel Petak Tikva Photo: LES ULTRAS IVORIENS

The 20-year-old has been firmly on the club’s radar as recruitment plans continue to take shape.

Ta Bi is currently on loan at Hapoel Petah Tikva from Israeli side Maccabi Netanya, where his performances have attracted attention despite a recent ankle injury.

The setback is not believed to be serious, with medical checks indicating he should return to action within the next two weeks.

Julian Araujo of Celtic – new loan signing from Bournemouth poses with a Celtic jersey. Celtic Team Training and press conference, 2 January 2026. Stuart Wallace/Shutterstock

Reports from Israel suggest the transfer is expected to be finalised in the coming days, with the winger set to follow Julian Araujo through the door after the Mexican international arrived on a loan deal last week, marking Nancy’s first signing in charge.

Following Hapoel Petah Tikva’s weekend win over Hapoel Kfar Saba, a club representative confirmed Celtic’s position in the negotiations, stating that only one formal bid had been lodged for Ta Bi and that it had come from the Scottish champions.

“We have been informed by Maccabi Netanya that there has only been one official offer for Jocelin Ta Bi and it was from Celtic,” a Hapoel Petah Tikva spokesman said via Daily Record. “We expect him to leave in the coming days.”

The deal is understood to be worth in the region of £2 million, with a portion of that sum – approximately £250,000 – allocated to cover compensation owed to his current loan side for cutting short his season-long spell.

Celtic are believed to have seen off reported interest from Belgian outfit Gent to secure the winger’s signature.

The 20-year-old has featured 20 times in the Israeli top flight this term, registering two goals and providing two assists.

Conor Spence