Celtic may have just been handed a significant boost in their pursuit of forward Youssef El Kachati, after reports emerged that the Dutch-born striker has turned down a move to Bundesliga 2 outfit Hannover 96.
According to Kicker, Hannover had scouted the 25-year-old extensively and even reached a verbal agreement with the player last month. However, final negotiations never materialised, with El Kachati opting against the move. The striker is now believed to be targeting a club playing European football next season, which potentially puts Celtic in a strong position to capitalise on the free transfer opportunity.
El Kachati has just concluded a sensational season with Telstar, firing his side to a surprise promotion to the Eredivisie. He signed off in style, scoring in a 3-1 away win over Willem II to secure a 5-3 aggregate victory in the Dutch second-tier playoff final.
It was a fitting end to a campaign in which he netted 25 goals in 45 appearances, proving a decisive figure in Telstar’s remarkable climb from a seventh-place finish to promotion.
Interest in El Kachati has reportedly extended beyond Germany. Austria Vienna are among the clubs linked, and there is growing attention from clubs in the UK and Eastern Europe.
Given his availability on a free, the deal represents a low-risk, potentially high-reward signing for the Hoops. With pre-season on the horizon, the ball may now be in Celtic’s court.
