If a recent report from Africa Foot is believed to be true, Celtic are keeping close eyes on Kalidou Sidibe and have tabled an initial offer of around €2m ahead of a potential summer move. But they are not alone in the hunt; Dutch giants PSV Eindhoven, Swiss side Grasshopper Zurich, Premier League outfit Ipswich Town, and even his former employers Toulouse are also keen on the Guingamp ace.
The 26-year-old France-born midfielder spent his academy years with various Paris clubs including Paris Saint-Germain and Paris FC. He also featured for the latter’s reserves before plying his trade to Toulouse in the summer of 2017. Sidibe struggled for senior minutes with Les Violets, and therefore, joined Châteauroux and Quevilly-Rouen on loan for regular gametime.
After helping Quevilly Rouen to retain their Ligue 2 status, the Frenchman joined the red and yellows on permanent terms. He was pivotal to their 11th-placed league finish in the 2022-23 season, and his impact both in defence and deep down the midfield earned him a €700k switch to fellow Ligue 2 side Guingamp upon the conclusion of the campaign.
Why Celtic Should Tie Him Down
Sidibe, being the tallest player in the league at 2.02m, eventually secured a ‘number six’ status from last season onwards. He has netted twice and laid on 5 more in 31 appearances so far this term and is contributing week in, and week out in their bid to secure a place in the promotion play-offs. His towering presence has caught the attention of several top teams, and Celtic, despite having the likes of Callum McGregor, Reo Hatate, Arne Engels, Luke McCowan and Paulo Bernardo in their ranks, are chasing the Costamoricans’ star for obvious reasons.
While they have ample depth, quality and cover for the box-to-box and ‘number 8’ spots, the absence of a like-for-like alternative to McGregor cost them against Rangers in the latest Old Firm derby. The veteran Scotsman missed the clash due to an injury concern, and the Hoops were found losing their shape in the middle of the park. They lacked someone capable of controlling the tempo from the base, thus highlighting the necessity of another holding midfielder who could challenge and cover their club captain.
Sidibe lacks enough top-tier experience and it is high time for him to make the next career move away from Ligue 2. Celtic have Champions League football to offer alongside assured domestic silverware, something that should be tempting enough for a summer transfer.
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