Key Points
- Scottish Premiership side Celtic are reportedly demonstrating strong interest in signing midfielder Simon Ebonog during the upcoming January transfer window.
- Celtic manager Martin O’Neill is expected to prioritise recruiting a new midfielder this winter to address the gap left by Arne Engels, who departed the club in August.
- Simon Ebonog, 22, has become an indispensable figure for French top-flight club Le Havre, recently captaining the team in their 2-0 loss to Lorient.
- With Le Havre currently sitting at the bottom of the French top flight and facing a likely relegation battle, a January departure for Ebonog is considered possible.
- Celtic are not the only club monitoring the midfielder, as other unnamed teams also admire the player.
Celtic FC (Glasgow Express) November 14, 2026 – Celtic are reportedly showing a strong interest in signing French midfielder Simon Ebonog ahead of the upcoming January transfer window, as manager Martin O’Neill seeks to reinforce his squad following the summer departure of Arne Engels.
Why are Celtic targeting Simon Ebonog in the January transfer window?
The Scottish club are actively looking to strengthen their midfield options this winter. Manager Martin O’Neill is expected to prioritise the acquisition of a central midfielder when the transfer window opens in January.
This recruitment drive stems from the departure of Arne Engels, who left Celtic in August. Since Engels’ exit, his absence has been sorely felt within the squad, prompting the club’s hierarchy and coaching staff to identify suitable replacements capable of making an immediate impact during the second half of the campaign.
Who is Simon Ebonog and what is his current situation at Le Havre?
Simon Ebonog is a 22-year-old midfielder currently playing in the French top flight for Le Havre. Despite his relatively young age, Ebonog has established himself as an indispensable player for the Normandy-based outfit. His leadership credentials were highlighted last weekend when he captained Le Havre during their 2-0 defeat against Lorient.
Le Havre are enduring a difficult domestic campaign and currently sit rock bottom of the French top flight. With relegation from the division already looking likely for the club, the prospect of a January exit has emerged as a realistic possibility for Ebonog. However, Celtic will likely face competition for his signature, as they are not alone in admiring the midfielder’s performances.
Background of the Transfer Development
The need for midfield reinforcement at Celtic Park dates back to the closing stages of the summer transfer window in August, when Arne Engels departed the club. Throughout the autumn fixtures, the void left by Engels has remained an area of concern for manager Martin O’Neill, making the central midfield position the primary focus for the January recruitment strategy.
Meanwhile, in France, Le Havre’s ongoing struggles at the foot of the table have placed their key assets under the spotlight of foreign clubs. As teams facing the threat of relegation often look to balance finances or reshape their squads mid-season, standout performers such as Ebonog naturally attract transfer interest from clubs competing in other European leagues.
How Could This Potential Transfer Affect Celtic Supporters and the Squad?
For Celtic supporters and the existing playing squad, the potential arrival of Simon Ebonog in January could provide a much-needed boost to the team’s midfield depth and balance. Securing a player who is accustomed to regular top-flight football in France—and who possesses the temperament to captain a side under pressure—would offer Martin O’Neill greater tactical flexibility for domestic competitions.
Conversely, because other clubs are also admiring Ebonog, Celtic supporters may face an anxious wait during the winter window to see if the club can successfully negotiate a deal ahead of rival suitors. If the club fails to secure Ebonog or an alternative target, the squad may continue to experience the same midfield limitations felt since August.
