Celtic made an attempt to add Ibrahima Diaby to Martin O’Neill’s squad in the summer window.
That’s according to Tuesday’s edition of Het Nieuwsblad, who cover Celtic’s failed efforts when discussing his latest move to Saudi Arabia.
Celtic tabled offer
The 19-year-old is a product of Paris Saint-Germain’s academy but didn’t make his way into their first team.
Last summer, Cercle Brugge signed the youngster for free, after the Champions League winners released him.
The midfielder had played 1,528 minutes from 32 matches last season, managing two goals and two assists. His performances, age and potential convinced Martin O’Neill’s side.
Het Nieuwsblad reports Celtic showed keen interest in Ibrahima Diaby at the start of the window. In fact, the Scottish Premiership winners had tabled at least one offer, without a mention of the figure.
That won’t matter now because Cercle Brugge rejected Celtic’s bid, as they had no plans to sell him. However, the Belgian club ended up selling him to Al-Ahli SFC at the weekend.
Why Saudi club succeeded and Celtic failed
Earlier this month, the Middle East club approached Cercle Brugge for the youngster, and the latter immediately rejected it as the Belgian window had already closed.
Celtic didn’t make an improved bid, after the initial rejection.
Al-Ahli had other plans and tabled an offer that was difficult for the Belgian club to refuse. The midfielder also opened the door for the transfer.
Cercle Brugge will collect at least €12m and Ibrahima Diaby becomes their second highest sale.
They have also agreed to €1.5m bonuses and 15% sell-on clause. The player has received a considerable rise in his salary.
Meanwhile, Martin O’Neill’s side finished the window with three midfielders; Mika Baur, Joël van den Berg and Oliver Sørensen.
Sørensen arrived on loan from Parma, and Celtic have secured a purchase option.
