Celtic Targets Cheick Souare Amid Competitive Interest
Celtic are reportedly eyeing a summer transfer for Cheick Souare, a midfielder currently playing for Viktoria Plzeň, according to a recent update from Italian journalist Lorenzo Lepore. The Scottish club faces competition for the 23-year-old’s signature, with Serie A teams Genoa and Monza, as well as Spanish club Getafe, also interested. Getafe’s initial bid of €2.5 million has already been turned down, as Viktoria Plzeň is reported to be asking for between €3.5 million and €4 million for the player.
Souare, a former French youth international, developed through the youth academies of Martigues and Istres before joining the prestigious youth setup at Marseille. However, after making only a single senior appearance for the French giants, he was released and eventually found a home at the Czech second-tier side Vyškov.
In a turn of events, Viktoria Plzeň recognized his potential and brought him on loan for six months. This loan was made permanent before the 2024-25 season, a decision that has paid off as Souare has since made 69 appearances for the club, scoring seven goals and assisting 13 during his tenure.
How Celtic Have Reacted This Summer
Playing mainly as a left-sided midfielder, Souare’s ability to fill various midfield positions makes him an attractive option. His contract at Doosan Arena is set to expire next summer, prompting Viktoria Plzeň to consider allowing him to depart for a lower fee now rather than risk losing him for nothing.
Celtic have made a solid start in their domestic fixtures as they prepare for a UEFA Champions League playoff against LASK. The club has opted for quality signings over quantity during this transfer window and has been proactive in securing replacements before the season kicks off. New players such as Mika Baur, Kelechi Iheanacho, and Camilo Durán have joined the squad, succeeding the likes of Arne Engels, Kasper Høgh, and Daizen Maeda, respectively. The signing of Haissem Hassan underscores Celtic’s ambitions, and they are reportedly looking to add at least one more midfielder amid speculation surrounding Reo Hatate’s exit.
Why Souare Could Be A Smart Pick
While Celtic are also considering Torino’s Gvidas Gineitis, Niko Sigur from Hajduk Split, and Hibernian’s Miguel Chaiwa, Souare would offer a unique quality in the midfield. His potential to play as a left fullback could provide cover for Kieran Tierney, should the club decide not to replace Marcelo Saracchi. With Martin O’Neill favoring a 4-2-3-1 formation, Souare’s versatility could make him an invaluable tactical asset, allowing changes in strategy without the need for substitutions. The coming weeks will reveal whether Celtic can fulfill Viktoria Plzeň’s financial expectations and secure Souare’s services.
If a recent transfer update from the Italian journalist Lorenzo Lepore is believed to be true, Celtic are plotting a summer move for Cheick Souare. But they are not alone in the race for the Viktoria Plzeň midfield ace, as the Serie A duo Genoa and Monza and Spanish outfit Getafe are also in the mix, with the latter’s €2.5m bid rejected amid the €3.5-4m asking fee from his suitors.
The 23-year-old former French youth international progressed through Martigues and Istres’ academy ranks before being snapped up by Marseille’s esteemed youth setup. However, he was released by the Ligue 1 giants after just one senior appearance and eventually joined the Czech second-tier side Vyškov.
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Meanwhile, his versatility caught the eye of Viktoria Plzeň, who initially loaned him in for six months but made the move permanent before the 2024-25 season. Souare has since made 69 appearances for the Czechia heavyweights, scoring 7 times and assisting 13 goals across competitions.
How Celtic Have Reacted This Summer
The youngster has primarily featured as a left-sided midfielder but is capable of slotting into other midfield slots comfortably. His contract at Doosan Arena expires next summer, and Viktoria Plzeň would rather let him leave for a minuscule fee than lose him for nothing a year later.
BASEL, SWITZERLAND – JANUARY 29: Cheick Souare of FC Viktoria Plzen controls the ball during the UEFA Europa League 2025/26 League Phase MD8 match between FC Basel 1893 and FC Viktoria Plzen at St. Jakob-Park on January 29, 2026 in Basel, Switzerland. (Photo by Daniela Porcelli/Getty Images)
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Celtic are off to a flying start in the domestic fixtures ahead of their UEFA Champions League playoff encounter against LASK. They have learned from their past mistakes and opted for quality signings over quantity so far this window. The management have not left it late either, as the replacements have been roped in on time, with Mika Baur, Kelechi Iheanacho and Camilo Durán succeeding Arne Engels, Kasper Høgh and Daizen Maeda in the midfield and attack, respectively. The high-profile arrival of Haissem Hassan depicts their ambition and intent, and the Celts are now assessing the market for at least one more midfield addition in the wake of outcast Reo Hatate’s potential departure.
Why Souare Could Be A Smart Pick
Although the likes of Torino’s Gvidas Gineitis, Hajduk Split’s Niko Sigur, and Hibernian sensation Miguel Chaiwa are also being monitored, Souare would bring a different dimension in the middle of the park. Moreover, his adaptability as a left fullback could see him challenge and cover Kieran Tierney, provided the Bhoys opt not to bring in a replacement for Marcelo Saracchi. Martin O’Neill prefers a 4-2-3-1 set-up, and the Frenchman’s flexibility would make him a highly valuable tactical asset, allowing the manager to change tactics without making a substitution. It remains to be seen whether Celtic meet Viktoria Plzeň’s financial demands and secure his services in due time.
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