Celtic Set To Rival Italian And Spanish Teams For This Versatile Midfield Star: Why They Should Step Up Interest

Celtic Set To Rival Italian And Spanish Teams For This Versatile Midfield Star: Why They Should Step Up Interest If a recent transfer update from the Italian journalist Lorenzo Lepore is believed to be true, Celtic are plotting a summer move for Cheick Souare. But they are not alone in the race for the Viktoria Plzeň midfield ace, as the Serie A duo Genoa and Monza and Spanish outfit Getafe are also in the mix, with the latter’s €2.5m bid rejected amid the €3.5-4m asking fee from his suitors. The 23-year-old former French youth international progressed through Martigues and Istres’ academy ranks before being snapped up by Marseille’s esteemed youth setup. However, he was released by the Ligue 1 giants after just one senior appearance and eventually joined the Czech second-tier side Vyškov. Meanwhile, his versatility caught the eye of Viktoria Plzeň, who initially loaned him in for six months but made the move permanent before the 2024-25 season. Souare has since made 69 appearances for the Czechia heavyweights, scoring 7 times and assisting 13 goals across competitions. How Celtic Have Reacted This Summer The youngster has primarily featured as a left-sided midfielder but is capable of slotting into other midfield slots comfortably. His contract at Doosan Arena expires next summer, and Viktoria Plzeň would rather let him leave for a minuscule fee than lose him for nothing a year later. BASEL, SWITZERLAND – JANUARY 29: Cheick Souare of FC Viktoria Plzen controls the ball during the UEFA Europa League 2025/26 League Phase MD8 match between FC Basel 1893 and FC Viktoria Plzen at St. Jakob-Park on January 29, 2026 in Basel, Switzerland. (Photo by Daniela Porcelli/Getty Images) Celtic are off to a flying start in the domestic fixtures ahead of their UEFA Champions League playoff encounter against LASK. They have learned from their past mistakes and opted for quality signings over quantity so far this window. The management have not left it late either, as the replacements have been roped in on time, with Mika Baur, Kelechi Iheanacho and Camilo Durán succeeding Arne Engels, Kasper Høgh and Daizen Maeda in the midfield and attack, respectively. The high-profile arrival of Haissem Hassan depicts their ambition and intent, and the Celts are now assessing the market for at least one more midfield addition in the wake of outcast Reo Hatate’s potential departure. Why Souare Could Be A Smart Pick Although the likes of Torino’s Gvidas Gineitis, Hajduk Split’s Niko Sigur, and Hibernian sensation Miguel Chaiwa are also being monitored, Souare would bring a different dimension in the middle of the park. Moreover, his adaptability as a left fullback could see him challenge and cover Kieran Tierney, provided the Bhoys opt not to bring in a replacement for Marcelo Saracchi. Martin O’Neill prefers a 4-2-3-1 set-up, and the Frenchman’s flexibility would make him a highly valuable tactical asset, allowing the manager to change tactics without making a substitution. It remains to be seen whether Celtic meet Viktoria Plzeň’s financial demands and secure his services in due time.