“Time to upgrade the Squad and Sign the Best” – Brendan Rodgers LATEST UPDATE as Celtic is now in race with Bayer Leverkusen to sign 18-year-old star player.

Celtic FC and Bayer Leverkusen are reportedly locked in a race to sign highly-rated Bazoumana Toure from Hammarby IF. The 18-year-old forward has attracted interest from several top European clubs due to his standout performances in the Swedish Allsvenskan this season. As Celtic fans still digest their club’s heavy 7-1 defeat to Borussia Dortmund in Europe, there is a pressing need for fresh talent that can bolster their squad and potentially elevate their competitiveness both domestically and in European competitions.

Toure’s Emergence as a Rising Star

Toure, who joined Hammarby IF earlier in 2024, has made an immediate impact in Sweden’s top tier of football. Despite being just 18 years old, the Ivorian forward has already scored six goals and registered three assists in 18 appearances for his club. His talent and quick development have caught the attention of numerous clubs, including Bayer Leverkusen, Crystal Palace, Eintracht Frankfurt, SL Benfica, and Celtic. According to reports from FotbollDirekt, these teams had representatives present during Hammarby’s recent match against AIK, highlighting the growing interest in the young forward.

Despite Hammarby losing the game 1-0 to AIK, Toure’s overall performance this season has been impressive. His pace, technical ability, and eye for goal have made him one of the most talked-about young prospects in the Swedish league, and the €10 million price tag being attached to his name reflects his potential value.

Celtic’s Recruitment Needs

Celtic’s recent humbling by Borussia Dortmund, where they suffered a 7-1 loss, has underscored the need for the club to strengthen its squad if they are to compete with Europe’s elite. While they remain in contention for domestic trophies, and qualification to the next round of the UEFA Champions League is still possible, there is an undeniable need for better recruitment. Celtic’s ambitions to return to European prominence mean that securing young, dynamic talents like Toure could be crucial.

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers has made no secret of the fact that the club is looking to bolster their ranks, particularly in attack. While Celtic have had some standout players in their current squad, there is a growing consensus that reinforcements are needed if they want to maintain their dominance in Scotland and challenge more effectively in European competitions.

Bayer Leverkusen’s Elite Recruitment

One of Celtic’s main rivals in the pursuit of Toure is Bayer Leverkusen. The German club’s recruitment over the past few seasons has been nothing short of elite. Under the management of Xabi Alonso, Leverkusen have built a formidable squad, highlighted by their historic Bundesliga triumph last season, where they went unbeaten. Their domestic double, which also included the German Cup, was a testament to the quality of their squad and the tactical brilliance of Alonso.

Leverkusen’s ability to spot and develop young talents has been key to their success, and Toure would fit the profile of players they have targeted in recent years. His skill set aligns with the fast, attacking football that Leverkusen have become known for under Alonso. Should Leverkusen succeed in their pursuit of Toure, the young forward would find himself in a highly competitive environment, playing alongside some of the best young talents in Europe.

A €10 Million Transfer Fee

Toure’s transfer value is estimated to be around €10 million, a significant sum for a player of his age. However, given his performances in Sweden and the growing interest from top European clubs, the fee is seen as a reflection of his potential. For clubs like Celtic, the price tag represents a significant investment, but it also signals a desire to compete with bigger European clubs for top young talents.

Celtic’s financial capacity, though smaller compared to clubs in the Premier League and Bundesliga, has allowed them to make key signings in the past. Their ability to attract young players often lies in offering a clear pathway to regular first-team football, something that could appeal to Toure as he weighs his options.

Competition from Other Clubs

In addition to Celtic and Bayer Leverkusen, other clubs like Crystal Palace, Eintracht Frankfurt, and SL Benfica are also reportedly in the running for Toure’s signature. These clubs each have their own appeal. Crystal Palace, for instance, offers the opportunity to play in the Premier League, which remains one of the most competitive leagues in the world. Frankfurt, like Leverkusen, provides the chance to compete in the Bundesliga, where young players often thrive and develop into top talents. SL Benfica has a long history of nurturing young players and selling them on to Europe’s elite.

For Toure, the decision will likely come down to which club offers the best combination of development opportunities, first-team football, and the chance to compete at the highest level. Celtic, with their regular participation in European competitions and dominant position in Scottish football, can offer a platform for Toure to grow while playing an important role in their squad.

Conclusion

As Celtic and Bayer Leverkusen battle for the signing of Bazoumana Toure, the young Ivorian forward finds himself at the center of a transfer tussle involving some of Europe’s most ambitious clubs. With a transfer fee in the region of €10 million, Toure is seen as a highly valuable prospect with the potential to become a key player for any club willing to invest in his development.

For Celtic, signing Toure would represent a significant step in improving their recruitment and ensuring they remain competitive both domestically and in Europe. As they look to put their recent European disappointment behind them, bringing in young talents like Toure could be crucial in helping the club achieve its long-term goals.

For Bayer Leverkusen, adding Toure to their already impressive squad would further strengthen their position as one of the top teams in Germany and Europe. With both clubs vying for his signature, the race to sign Bazoumana Toure is heating up, and it will be interesting to see where the talented young forward ends up in the coming months.