Celtic set sights on Ronaldinho-inspired 13-cap attacker, he's 'low-cost'

The January transfer window has only just opened, but already Celtic have significantly bolstered their ranks.

Hoops boss Ange Postecoglou has welcomed Daizen Maeda, Reo Hatate, and Yosuke Ideguchi to Parkhead.

Now, Celtic have been linked with a versatile 28-year-old attacker who counts Ronaldinho as his inspiration.

In addition, this player has won 13 caps for his nation and is “low-cost”.

According to French outlet Footmercato, Celtic are reportedly eyeing Algeria international Zinedine Ferhat.

The Nimes attacker is out of contract at the end of the season and is “more likely than ever” to up sticks in January.

Ferhat was linked with Celtic’s rivals Rangers last summer, but he stayed put at Nimes.

He impressed in Ligue 1 during the 2020-21 campaign with six goals and 10 assists.

However, that wasn’t enough to stop them being relegated.

And this season, Ferhat has made just seven second-tier appearances.

Footmercato claims that the player’s profile and “low cost” appeal to Celtic,

The Bhoys could “jump” at the opportunity to sign him in January, added the outlet.

Can Celtic bring their own Ronaldinho to Parkhead?

In September 2020, the Ligue 1 website published a feature article on Ferhat.

They described him as a “skilful, right-footed playmaker” capable of producing “magic” with his weaker foot too.

“Ferhat scores his fair share of goals, but his true speciality is setting them up,” they wrote.

“Nobody contributed more assists for Nîmes than the Algerian (in 2019-2020).

“And Ferhat still holds the Ligue 2 record having set up 20 goals in one season for Le Havre.”

Ferhat revealed that Brazil legend Ronaldinho was his second role model, after his father.

“That guy just didn’t seem to feel pressure,” he said. “He went around nutmegging, scoring.

“He was on another planet. For me, Ronaldinho is the greatest ever player.”