Celtic have entered the race for rising German midfield talent Soufiane El-Faouzi, according to reports from Sky Germany (via The Daily Record). The 23-year-old Schalke star has been turning heads in the 2. Bundesliga, and the Scottish giants aren't the only ones taking notice. Premier League duo Brentford and Sunderland, Serie A side Bologna, and French outfit Rennes are all monitoring his progress closely.
El-Faouzi's journey to the top has been anything but straightforward. He cut his teeth at Sportfreunde Siegen's academy, making his senior debut in Germany's lower leagues before moving to SC Paderborn's reserves. A stint with Fortuna Düsseldorf's youth side followed, where he spent two years competing in the Regionalliga West. Alemannia Aachen then snapped him up on a free transfer in the summer of 2024, and his standout season in the third division earned him a €200k move to Schalke last summer.
Since arriving at the Gelsenkirchen club, El-Faouzi has been a regular starter, playing a key role in their push for promotion back to the Bundesliga. In 32 appearances for Schalke, he's scored twice and provided five assists in the 2. Bundesliga, according to Transfermarkt. His performances have been instrumental, and his value has skyrocketed following the club's promotion.
Schalke are keen to hold on to their rising star, but they've set a price tag of around £10.3 million for any potential suitors. For Celtic, the timing couldn't be more critical. While the Hoops are focused on securing a domestic double under Martin O'Neill, the board must also look ahead to finding the veteran manager's long-term successor. The club has learned from past mistakes, where late business in transfer windows led to several underwhelming signings. This time, early action is key.
On paper, Celtic's midfield looks well-stocked, but the squad could face significant changes in the coming seasons. Adding a dynamic, young talent like El-Faouzi would not only bolster the depth but also inject fresh energy into the engine room. For fans dreaming of European nights at Parkhead, this is a name worth watching closely.