ETIENNE YOUTE CELTIC MOVE: TRANSFER EXPERT PROVIDES REVEALING UPDATE
- BY LIAM CARRIGAN
- Aug 13
- 3 min read
You’ll probably recall a few weeks ago that The ACSOM Blog, along with several other Celtic Fan Media outlets ran a story linking Le Harve’s former Inter Milan defender Etienne Youte with a possible move to Celtic.
Well, it seems there has been some movement in this possible transfer, and Celtic remain in a powerful position to get a deal done, should they choose to do so.
Etienne Youte: Celtic, Besiktas and Anderlecht in 3-way Battle For Big Defender
The latest update comes courtesy of football transfer expert and sports journalist Rudi Galetti.
Speaking exclusively with Football betting site Betway, Galetti outlined why Celtic may still hold the upper hand if they continue their interest in the French Under-21 Center Back.
Galetti said: “Celtic’s interest in, Etienne Youte has been long standing. The Scottish club has been tracking the Le Havre center-back for over a month, with initial contact dating back to late June.
"The player is entering the final year of his contract with Le Havre, and for this reason, he can leave for around €5 million. That is well below his market value due to his contract situation.
This is interesting as we, and indeed the mainstream media as well didn’t become aware of any potential interest in Etienne Youte Celtic may have had until mid-July.
It’s a similar scenario to both Shin Yamada and Hayato Inamura. Both players were not linked with Celtic in the press until June, despite the players themselves being made aware of possible moves to Parkhead as early as January.
Galetti elaborated further: Besiktas are also interested in him, remaining in the race, and Anderlecht are also in the race, and this makes the situation more competitive and complex, for sure.”
Probably not a good sign, however both Besiktas and Anderlecht are clubs that Celtic should, realistically be able to compete with in terms of the transfer fee and the salary we can offer. We also have the possibility of Champions League football, or, at a worst-case scenario the Europa League group stages.
Both Besiktas and Anderlecht still have to navigate play-off ties in order to get into the Conference League, UEFA’s lowest ranked European competition.
"At the moment, Youte's future is still undecided. Celtic are well-positioned in the race, but everything is still open. And the preference of the player and also an eventual offer on the table, will make the difference in this deal.
Now, I am speculating here, but based on what Galetti says here, is it possible that the player may be “hedging his bets” and waiting to see if Celtic make the Champions League or not?
I hope that isn’t the case, because I would genuinely question the commitment of any player who chooses to come to Celtic purely for Champions League football. We have a whole lot of other, very important, football to be played this season outside of those 8 games against Europe’s elite, if we get there.
It is, of course, also entirely possible that Celtic may not pursue this any further. Afterall the recent acquisition of Jahmai Simpson-Pusey on a season long loan means we aren’t too stuck for central defensive options at the moment.
However, just one or two bad injuries could radically alter that scenario. Questions also remain about the long-term injury prospects of our best defensive player Cameron Carter-Vickers.
At 6”5, Etienne Youte definitely fits the mold of the kind of big, no nonsense center half that many Celtic fans have been crying out for.
For now though, Galetti insists it’s up to Celtic to make the next move, if they still want the player.
He concluded: "It's definitely situation to keep an eye on in the coming days, and the competition remains fierce, and Celtic have to make the first move to anticipate the competition trying to trying to sign the Le Havre player."
This is one to watch in the days ahead, and if all goes well for Celtic against Kairat Almaty over the next two weeks then Etienne Youte may well be one of those “last minute additions” we see coming in to bolster our squad ahead of another assault on Europe’s premier club competition.
