Written by Celtic’s pursuit of French-Algerian midfielder Yanis Ghedjemis has intensified, with the Parkhead hierarchy reportedly pushing to finalize a deal before the January transfer window slams shut. The 22-year-old, currently plying his trade in Ligue 2 with Rodez AF, has emerged as a primary target for Brendan Rodgers as the Hoops look to bolster their creative options in the middle of the park.
The move represents a significant shift in Celtic’s recruitment strategy, which has often favored established stars or high-potential youngsters from the Scottish Premiership and beyond. Ghedjemis, known for his dribbling ability, vision, and an eye for a long-range strike, fits the profile of a dynamic playmaker capable of unlocking stubborn defenses—a quality Celtic have occasionally lacked in tight domestic fixtures this season.
The Ghedjemis Deal: What’s on the Table?
Negotiations between Celtic and Rodez have reportedly entered their advanced stages, with the Scottish champions tabling an initial offer believed to be in the region of £2.5 million. While Rodez are holding out for a figure closer to £3.5 million, the gap is not considered insurmountable. Personal terms are said to be agreed, with the player keen on a move to a club competing in European competition.
The structure of the deal is also a point of discussion. Celtic are keen to include performance-related add-ons, a common practice in modern football transfers, to mitigate financial risk. Rodez, on the other hand, are pushing for a larger upfront fee to reinvest in their own squad as they fight for promotion to Ligue 1. Sources close to the negotiation suggest that a compromise is likely, with Celtic confident of getting the deal over the line within the next 48 hours.
Tactical Fit at Parkhead
Rodgers has often spoken about the need for “controlled chaos” in the final third. Ghedjemis offers exactly that. His ability to operate in the half-spaces, combined with his willingness to shoot from distance, provides a different dimension to Celtic’s attack. He is not a like-for-like replacement for Matt O’Riley, who departed for Brighton in the summer, but rather a more direct, vertical runner who can break lines with his carries.
The player’s defensive work rate has also improved significantly this season, a key factor in Rodgers’ decision-making. Celtic’s high-pressing system requires every outfield player to contribute defensively, and Ghedjemis has shown a willingness to engage in duels and recover possession in advanced areas. This dual threat—offensive flair and defensive diligence—makes him an attractive proposition for the starting XI.
Rangers Face Yokota Race: A Different Battle
While Celtic work on the Ghedjemis deal, their Old Firm rivals Rangers are facing a different kind of transfer headache. The Ibrox club is locked in a race against time to secure the signature of Japanese international midfielder, Kaito Yokota. Unlike the Celtic pursuit, which is a straight negotiation with a selling club, the Rangers situation is complicated by significant interest from the Bundesliga and Serie A.
Yokota, who currently plays for Yokohama F. Marinos, has a release clause that becomes active in the summer, but Rangers are attempting to trigger a winter move by offering a premium. The player’s representatives have indicated that he is open to a move to Glasgow, but the allure of playing in Germany’s top flight is proving to be a significant hurdle.
The race for Yokota is expected to go down to the wire. Rangers’ director of football has been in direct contact with the player’s camp, emphasizing the project at Ibrox and the guaranteed first-team football on offer. However, with a top-four Bundesliga club now circling, the Gers may need to increase their wage offer to sway the decision.
The Wider Transfer Landscape
The contrasting situations highlight the different strategic approaches of the two Glasgow giants. Celtic are targeting a proven, albeit lower-league, talent to fill a specific tactical void. Rangers, conversely, are attempting to win a high-profile race against financially superior European leagues, a task that requires a significant outlay and a compelling sporting pitch.
For Celtic, the Ghedjemis deal is about squad depth and future resale value. For Rangers, the Yokota race is about making a statement of intent. The outcomes of both negotiations will likely define the momentum of the title race heading into the business end of the season. While Celtic’s deal appears closer to completion, the unpredictability of the transfer market means nothing is certain until the ink is dry on the contract.
