Martin O’Neill’s first Celtic transfer brings £2m winger to what he calls one of the world’s best stadiums

Martin O’Neill has secured his opening signing as Celtic manager, with Jocelin Ta Bi joining from Israeli club Maccabi Netanya. The 20-year-old Ivory Coast winger has agreed a £2 million transfer to the Scottish champions. Ta Bi previously spent time on loan at Hapoel Petah Tikva, gaining valuable experience in Israeli football before this move to Glasgow.

The acquisition marks the beginning of what is anticipated to be an active transfer window for Celtic, as the club pursues multiple new arrivals to strengthen their squad. With the challenge of securing five consecutive titles ahead, management recognizes the need for reinforcements across the team. O’Neill’s appointment signals the club’s ambition to compete at the highest level during this critical period.

Ta Bi expressed his enthusiasm about joining the Scottish giants, describing the opportunity as fulfilling a lifelong ambition. The winger emphasized his gratitude for the support he received during his time in Israel, which he credits with aiding his development as a footballer. He acknowledged that the trust shown by Maccabi Netanya and his loan club facilitated his progression to this level of competition.

The young player praised Celtic’s stature in world football, highlighting the significance of playing at Celtic Park. He referenced the stadium as one of the world’s most impressive venues and expressed his excitement at the prospect of competing in such an environment. Ta Bi’s comments reflect the prestige associated with joining a club of Celtic’s standing.

Ta Bi remains mindful of his experiences abroad, expressing his intention not to forget the relationships and support he cultivated during his loan spell. He conveyed his appreciation for the warmth extended by the Israeli football community. The winger now prepares to integrate into Celtic’s setup and contribute to their domestic ambitions.