Celtic Set To Rival Leeds United For This Teenage Prodigy: Why They Must Step Up The Chase | OneFootball

If a report from French outlet Le Republicain Sportif is true, Celtic are keeping close tabs on Herba Guirassy ahead of a potential summer move. But they are not alone in the race; promotion hopefuls Leeds United are also eyeing a swoop for the teenage sensation from FC Nantes.

The 18-year-old French attacker joined the academy ranks of his boyhood club Vaillante Angers before plying his trade to Nantes in 2019. He progressed through their youth set-up and eventually broke into the senior side from August onwards. The youngster has primarily been involved as a substitute, yet his flair and finesse saw him netting thrice in 17 first-team appearances across competitions.

Guirassy featured across the frontline for the reserves but operated from the right in his two league starts against Saint-Etienne and Olympique Lyon. The left-footed forward could also be effective from the right as an inverted winger and the Ligue 1 side would only entertain offers of around €10m for their prized asset in the summer.

Celtic brought Jota back to Parkhead earlier this year in a £8m transfer from Rennes. However, they parted ways with Kyogo Furuhashi who moved in the opposite direction. Also, the Hoops sanctioned Luis Palma’s loan to Olympiacos as the Honduran slipped down the pecking order under Brendan Rodgers.

GLASGOW, SCOTLAND – FEBRUARY 05: Daizen Maeda of Celtic celebrates scoring his team’s third goal with teammate Jota during the William Hill Premiership match between Celtic FC and Dundee FC at Celtic Park on February 05, 2025 in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

Why Celtic Should Snap Him Up In Summer

While they failed to rope in someone of Furuhashi’s calibre who could emulate his success as a ‘number 9’, Daizen Maeda, his compatriot, has exhibited exquisite scoring traits while spearheading the attack. The Japanese ace is now the preferred centre-forward over Adam Idah and the club, therefore, should opt for someone who fits in on the flanks.

Celtic also have Nicolas Kuhn, Yang Hyun-jun and James Forrest as wide forwards, but the rumours over Kuhn’s egress might decimate them in the summer. Forrest, 33, is no longer a first-choice due to his age and injuries, and Yang, who had a few impressive cameos, should not be viewed as a regular starter. The arrival of Guirassy would bolster them upfront, and Rodgers, known for nurturing young talents, must mould him into a versatile attacking option.

Meanwhile, Leeds United, the frontrunners for a direct promotion, could spoil the Bhoys’ party. The Whites have Daniel James, Wilfried Gnonto and Largie Ramazani to feature from the wide, but they might face a challenge to snap up in-form Manor Solomon on permanent terms. Tottenham Hotspur are expected to play hardball over the transfer fee, and the Yorkshire giants should switch their focus to alternatives including the Les Bleus prodigy.