Celtic have been linked with a shock summer move for former Hibs loanee Abdellah Zoubir.
The French winger, 32, is currently on the books of Qarabag and has caught the eye by netting 11 goals so far this season. Zoubir showcased his qualities in last week’s Europa League clash away to Braga by scoring a double and providing an assist in the 4-2 victory.
But as his contract is about to expire in June, the former Lens star’s future is in doubt. The last five and a half years of Zoubir’s career have been spent with Qarabag, and the Azerbaijani team is eager to sign him to a new deal.
However, L’Equipe reports that Augsburg, a German team, Celtic, and an unidentified French club have expressed interest in signing Zoubir. Zoubir is free to start pre-contract talks with potential suitors, with the possibility of a summer free transfer.
However, a move to Parkhead would cause controversy and go against Celtic’s recruitment strategy of acquiring younger players with the possibility to be traded. Although Zoubir might be considered a potential replacement for Liel Abada, who is expected to leave the team in the upcoming months, Celts also have a wealth of wide choices.
During his year-long loan from French team Istres to Hibs in 2013–14, Zoubir scored just three goals in 16 games for the Easter Road team, who were demoted at the conclusion of a season marred by accidents. Prior to being transferred to Lens, Zouiber played for Petrolul Ploiesti in Romania after beginning his career with Ligue 2 side Grenoble Foot 38.
Before moving to Qarabag, he played for two years at the Stade Bollaert-Delelis. In nearly 250 games, he has 57 goals and 64 assists.
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