Celtic Transfer Blow as Jocelin Ta Bi Deal Collapses and Sunderland Step In
Good evening and we begin tonight with a major twist in the January transfer window involving Celtic and one of their most talked about targets, young Ivory Coast winger Jocelin Ta Bi.
For days, Celtic fans had been expecting movement. The club was working toward what looked like a smart, forward looking signing. Ta Bi is only 20 years old, playing his football in Israel with Maccabi Netanya and widely seen as a player with pace, flair and long term upside. Celtic had lined him up as a future project, not an instant star, but a player who could grow into the team over time.
Then came the first setback. Medical checks revealed an issue serious enough to require surgery. That immediately put the deal on pause. Celtic stepped back to reassess, weighing risk against reward and suddenly the momentum slowed. A signing that once looked close was no longer guaranteed.
And while Celtic hesitated, another club moved fast.
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In a dramatic late twist, English side Sunderland stepped in and effectively hijacked the deal. They agreed a higher transfer fee, reportedly around three and a half million pounds and offered Ta Bi a long term contract. Within hours, the picture changed completely. What had been shaping up as a move to Glasgow is now set to end at the Stadium of Light.
For Celtic, this is a frustrating blow. January windows are already difficult and losing a target this late forces a quick rethink. The club now has to pivot, looking elsewhere to strengthen wide areas, while balancing fitness concerns and budget limits.
This also has a knock on effect inside the squad. Interest from England in winger Hyun jun Yang had been growing. But with Ta Bi now off the table, Celtic are far less likely to sanction any outgoing move. Yang has impressed recently, scoring in big matches and his importance has only increased overnight.
Behind the scenes, Celtic are still active. Loan talks for other wide players continue, defensive options are being reviewed and emergency plans are being drawn up as injuries take their toll. But there is no hiding it. Missing out on Ta Bi stings.
For Ta Bi himself, this is a huge moment. A move to England, a long contract and a clear show of confidence, even with injury concerns hanging in the background. It is a gamble by Sunderland and a reminder of how ruthless the transfer market can be.
That is the latest from a fast moving window. Stay with us for more updates as deals develop, decisions are made and the clock keeps ticking.
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