Celtic Join The Race For This Rising German Midfielder: What He Would Offer At Parkhead

PADERBORN, GERMANY – APRIL 26: (L-R) Filip Bilbija of SC Paderborn challenges Soufiane El-Faouzi of FC Schalke 04 during the 2. Bundesliga match between SC Paderborn 07 and FC Schalke 04 at Benteler Arena on April 26, 2026 in Paderborn, Germany. (Photo by Christof Koepsel/Getty Images)

El-Faouzi’s valuation has now increased following Schalke’s promotion, as the Royal Blues would prefer to keep hold of him unless his suitors meet the demanded £10.3m fee for the midfielder. Celtic are focusing on a ‘domestic double’ under Martin O’Neill. Yet the board must work behind the scenes to find the veteran Northern Irishman’s long-term successor from next season onwards. Moreover, the business must be concluded early, unlike the past couple of windows, as they left it late and ended up with several below-par signings.

Why Celtic Are Chasing The Youngster

Although the Hoops, on paper, are well-equipped in the centre of the pitch, they could soon face a significant crisis amid uncertainties over several stars’ futures. Skipper Callum McGregor is still going strong as a deep-lying playmaker, but the growing interest in Engels could force them to cash in on the Belgian.

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Luke McCowan, Reo Hatate, and Paulo Bernardo are also there as box-to-box options. However, the club have not decided whether to extend Oxlade-Chamberlain’s contract beyond this season. McCowan is only good enough as a squad option, and the lack of minutes could see both Hatate and Bernardo part ways for fresh opportunities elsewhere.

Predominantly a ‘number 8’, El-Faouzi has also demonstrated his expertise as a midfield attacker. He often shifts to the deep to script attacking transitions with strong dribbling, tackling, energy and key passing attributes, thus ticking the boxes of an all-round ace, who would flourish in Scottish football.