ETIENNE YOUTE KINKOUE: CELTIC LINKED WITH FORMER INTER MILAN DEFENDER
- BY LIAM CARRIGAN
- 6 hours ago
- 2 min read
It seems painfully clear now that “left-sided center back” must be at the top of the Celtic Scout's shopping list this summer.
Last week we signed Japanese left-sided center back Hayato Inamura, yesterday we were linked with Dutch center back Justin De Haas, and today we can add another name to the mix.
That name is Etienne Youte Kinkoue, Celtic's latest rumored signing, and he has the attributes that will hopefully excite the Celtic support.
Who is Etienne Youte Kinkoue? Celtic Fans May Soon Find Out
Although only 23 years old, Youte Kinkoue has already had an interesting career to date. Born in France, of Cameroonian extraction, he represented France at both under 17 and under 21 level.
However, he has yet to be capped at senior international level and remains eligible for both France and Cameroon.
Despite his youth, the 6”5 defender already has playing experience from multiple countries.
He began his youth career with French side Troyes as a 12 year old. From there, he caught the eye of Italian giants Inter Milan.
He would spend 2 years at the San Siro, playing for their under 17 and under 19 development squads.
Upon signing his first senior contract, he moved to Greece. He joined the ranks of Olympiakos and played for their B team in Greece’s second tier.
Despite enjoying rave reviews during his time with the Piraeus side, he opted to return to France in 2023, where he joined his present club, Le Harve.
He is entering the final year of his Le Harve contract, which is perhaps why Celtic have now been alerted to his availability.
The source quoted in the original story is L’Equipe, probably France’s best known sports news outlet.
The report states that as well as Celtic, Turkish giants Besiktas and Belgian top flight side Anderlecht are in for the player.
No fee has been mentioned in the reporting to date. This would suggest that Celtic are still at an early stage in any possible move for the player, if indeed the L’Equipe story is accurate.
My read on this, and this is just my own opinion based on available information, is that Justin De Haas appears to be Celtic’s preferred option at this time. However, if that deal doesn't come through then Youte Kinkoue would be a more than capable plan B.
Nevertheless, taken in tandem with Celtic’s confirmed interest in both Japanese striker Shin Yamada and Italy under 21 international forward Giuseppe Ambrosino, it’s good to see that the club aren't putting all their proverbial eggs in one basket.
It’s highly unlikely we’ll sign all these players, but if even two of the above mentioned names end up becoming Celtic players this month, I think that would represent a substantial strengthening of the squad.
