NafisaCeltic are preparing a move for Schalke 04 midfielder Soufiane El-Faouzi during the upcoming summer transfer window, sources have told Football Insider.
The 23-year-old has enjoyed an impressive campaign, playing a major role in Schalke securing promotion from Bundesliga 2 while attracting attention from several scouts monitoring his progress.
The Hoops are looking to strengthen their squad once the market opens and have been following the midfielder closely throughout the season.
As revealed on the latest episode of Football Insider’s Transfer Insider podcast, Schalke have now set an asking price in the region of £10million for El-Faouzi this summer.
Although that valuation could prove expensive for the Glasgow side, Celtic are pushing forward with their recruitment plans and the German-based midfielder remains firmly on their shortlist.
Could Celtic strike an agreement for Soufiane El-Faouzi?
Football Insider reported on 6 May that El-Faouzi could represent the perfect midfield addition for Celtic based on what he has produced for Schalke throughout the current campaign.
Capable of operating across multiple midfield roles, he would fit the profile Celtic are searching for as they look to add reinforcements to an area that has become an increasing concern.
While Schalke are reluctant to lose him and intend to demand a substantial transfer fee, Celtic are among several clubs hoping they can negotiate a deal.
Speaking on the Transfer Insider podcast, I explained:
“It will be very hard for Celtic to try and prise away at El-Faouzi right now.
“He’s just won promotion back to the Bundesliga with Schalke and was a key man for them in that as well with two goals and five assists for the midfielder.
“Schalke’s valuation could be prohibitive for Celtic as well, they’re looking in excess of £10 million for the midfielder, who is under contract until 2029.
“Schalke are keen to keep hold of El-Faouzi as they prepare for life back in the Bundesliga, and they’ve put that price tag up to scare off any interested clubs.
“That would make any move potentially to Celtic very difficult for them to do, not just because of price tag but also because of the competition for his signature.”
Which other midfield options are Celtic monitoring?
El-Faouzi remains one of Celtic’s priority targets heading into the summer, but with concerns surrounding the financial demands involved in any potential move, the club are also weighing up alternative options.
Several midfield reinforcements are currently under consideration, with Celtic scouts continuing to monitor players both across Europe and within Scotland.
Football Insider revealed on 8 May that Celtic are also weighing up a move for Marc Leonard as he prepares to return to Birmingham City after completing his loan spell.
The 24-year-old spent the latter part of the campaign on loan at Hearts and has caught the eye of multiple clubs during their push for the SPFL title.
Celtic are keen on bringing Leonard in once his time at Tynecastle comes to an end and are believed to have tracked him long before his temporary switch to Hearts.
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