Celtic’s interest in Yaser Asprilla will not lead to a deal for Martin O’Neill’s side, as the player now looks set to continue his career away from the UK.
According to Colombian journalist Pipe Sierra, Asprilla is just details away from becoming a new player for Galatasaray. The Turkish club moved faster and, crucially, offered the most convincing proposal to Girona. The structure involves a loan with an option to buy, which has satisfied the Spanish side and the City Group.
From Celtic’s perspective, this effectively closes the door. The Scottish Premiership champions had made contact as they monitored the 22-year-old’s situation.
Celtic now appear to have been overtaken. Interest existed, but it did not progress to the point of a formal agreement.
Asprilla’s agent, Jonathan Herrera, had spent recent weeks in talks with several clubs. Benfica, Ajax and Marseille were all part of those discussions. Despite that competition, Galatasaray emerged with the strongest offer on the table.
The move reflects Girona’s acceptance that Asprilla did not deliver the expected impact in La Liga. Even so, his age and profile kept demand high across multiple leagues.
For Celtic, the search now turns elsewhere, while Asprilla prepares for a new challenge in Turkey, pending the final formalities.
