Scottish champions Celtic are reportedly eyeing a move for Al Ahly midfielder, Afsha, as manager Ange Postecoglou looks to add to his recent transfer activity.
What’s the word?
That’s according to journalist Mark Hendry, who revealed that the Hoops have made an approach to the agent of the 26-year-old regarding a potential swoop in the upcoming January transfer window.
The transfer insider stated on Twitter: “EXCLUSIVE! Celtic contact Afsha representatives over January transfer as Ange Postecoglou eyes further additions”.
In his attached piece for Football Scotland, Hendry goes on to add that the Old Firm outfit’s interest has gone no further than mere ‘brief discussions’ at present, although the Egyptian ace has seemingly been a long-term target for the club, having previously been linked back in the summer of 2021.
The report also states that the playmaker is attracting interest from clubs in the Championship as well as in Turkey, while also adding that any move is set to be a permanent one, rather than on a loan deal.
‘Wonderful move’
The winter window is still just under a month away yet the Parkhead giants have already moved quickly to help bolster their squad heading into the second half of the season, with Postecoglou and head of recruitment Mark Lawwell overseeing the signings of both Yuki Kobayashi and Alistair Johnston of late.
The latter man only joined from MLS side CF Montreal for a reported fee of £3.5m earlier this week, with the Glasgow side seemingly not willing to rest on their laurels despite the healthy, nine-point lead they have obtained at the top of the Scottish Premiership table.
Adding Afsha – whose full name is Mohammed Magdy – into the mix could well help to drive the Bhoys on even further in 2023, with the 20-cap sensation having showcased his quality for his current side of late.
The 5 foot 6 maestro has two assists in just six outings for the Cairo outfit so far this season, while his total tally for the club stands at 61 goal involvements in 146 games to date as a marker of his creative brilliance.
A dynamic presence in the final third, the diminutive gem – who has 47 club career goals to his name and five at international level – has notably been dubbed a “wonderful player” by former boss Ante Cacic, as well as earning the label of the “the best player in Egypt”, according to Cacic.
Such a talent could well slot in nicely in Postecoglou’s attacking and progressive outfit, with the club still potentially in need of a further creative spark after having seen long-serving genius Tom Rogic depart at the end of last season.
With the Johnston deal now wrapped up, it would seemingly be an astute and wonderful move as far as Celtic are concerned to now get the experienced Afsha through the door next.