Celtic Plot SHOCK Swoop for Kazakh Winger, Beating Rivals as Star's January Exit Looms!

Celtic are reportedly plotting a sensational swoop for one of Eastern Europe's rising talents, positioning themselves to hijack a deal from under the noses of their Premiership rivals Hearts. As the Glasgow giants look to bolster their attacking options, they have emerged as the clear favourites to land a highly-rated winger on a bargain deal.

The player at the centre of the storm is Galymzhan Kenzhebek, a dynamic 22-year-old winger currently plying his trade for Yelimay Semey in his native Kazakhstan. According to reports emerging from the region, Celtic have leaped to the front of a long queue of European clubs vying for his signature. With his contract set to expire at the end of this year, Kenzhebek represents a low-cost, high-potential acquisition that could prove to be a masterstroke. The move would be a significant blow to Hearts, who were also heavily linked with the player, but it appears the allure of Parkhead has put Celtic in pole position to secure their man.

The timing of this potential transfer could not be more crucial for Brendan Rodgers' side, particularly with fresh uncertainty surrounding the future of key forward Daizen Maeda. The Japanese international, 27, was the subject of significant interest during the summer transfer window, and sources suggest those same suitors are preparing to return with renewed bids when the January market opens. Celtic's failure to land several other attacking targets in the summer has left their squad thin, and the club's hierarchy knows they can ill-afford to lose a player of Maeda's calibre without a quality replacement already in the building.

The Hoops' recent transfer frustrations were further highlighted by the comments of one-time target Kasper Dolberg. The 27-year-old Danish striker, who had been linked with a move to Glasgow, ultimately chose a return to his former club Ajax from Anderlecht. Speaking to the Dutch press, Dolberg described the move as an "easy decision," stating that Ajax will "always be special" to him. While not a direct rejection of Celtic, his comments serve as a stark reminder of the fierce competition the club faces in the European market and underscores the importance of acting decisively to secure talents like Kenzhebek.

As the winter window approaches, Celtic's strategy is becoming clear. The potential signing of Kenzhebek on a free transfer could be a shrewd piece of business, providing much-needed depth and creativity on the wing. It would also serve as crucial insurance should the anticipated January battle for Daizen Maeda result in his departure. After a summer of near misses, Celtic fans will be desperate to see the club seal the deal for the Kazakh star and prove they still have the pulling power to win a transfer tug-of-war.