Celtic have tabled a formal bid for Egypt international striker Mostafa Mohamed, while Rangers have made an offer for PSV Eindhoven winger Johan Bakayoko, according to Sky Sports Premier League. The moves signal an early scramble for marquee talent as both Old Firm clubs look to reinforce their squads ahead of the winter transfer window, with Mohamed’s potential arrival in Glasgow coinciding with Bakayoko’s pursuit in Govan.
Why the race for Mohamed and Bakayoko matters now
Mostafa Mohamed’s name has been linked with Celtic for weeks, but the club’s willingness to lodge a formal bid suggests they view him as a priority target to address a persistent lack of penetration in attack. The Egypt striker has scored 12 goals in 28 appearances for club and country this season, including crucial strikes in Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, and his profile fits Celtic’s need for a proven finisher who can deliver in both domestic and European competitions. Rangers, meanwhile, have identified Bakayoko as a direct replacement for players who have left or are unsettled, with the PSV winger averaging a goal contribution every 140 minutes in the Eredivisie this term—his pace and directness offering a different dimension to their attack.
The contrasting profiles reflect each club’s current priorities. Celtic are chasing a frontline upgrade to tighten their grip on the Scottish Premiership, where their title challenge has been blunted by inconsistent finishing, while Rangers seek a creative outlet to break down stubborn defences in both domestic and European competitions. Neither bid has been accepted yet, but the fact both clubs have moved in unison underscores the urgency in the transfer market, with both sides aware that a January failure could leave them playing catch-up in the title race.
What happens next: bids, deadlines, and potential stumbling blocks
Both clubs face hurdles before any deal can be completed. Mohamed’s release clause is reported to be in the region of £12 million, a figure Celtic may need to adjust to prise him away from Zamalek, where he has been a consistent goal threat in the Egyptian Premier League. Bakayoko, aged 22 and under contract at PSV until 2026, presents a different challenge—his development under Peter Bosz has seen him become one of the Eredivisie’s most exciting young wingers, but the Dutch club’s valuation is understood to be higher than Rangers’ initial offer. Negotiations could drag into the final days of the window, especially if either party brings in alternative targets, with both clubs already monitoring other options in their respective positions.
Rangers’ approach also raises questions about squad balance. Their midfield has been reshaped in recent months, but the absence of a natural winger has left them exposed on the counter-attack, particularly in the Europa League. Bakayoko’s pace and directness would address that gap, while Mohamed’s aerial presence would give Celtic another dimension in set-piece situations. Neither move is guaranteed, but the timing—with both clubs chasing silverware and European progress—suggests they are willing to take calculated risks to avoid repeating last season’s frustrations.
Tactical fit: how the players could slot into each team
For Celtic, Mohamed would likely operate as a focal point in a 4-3-3, linking up with wingers who can stretch play. His movement off the shoulder of the last defender has troubled defences in Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, and that instinct could translate to the Premiership, where his physicality and hold-up play would provide a different profile to Kyogo Furuhashi. Rangers, meanwhile, could deploy Bakayoko as an inverted winger in Ange Postecoglou’s preferred 3-4-3, allowing him to cut inside and shoot from range—his ability to play on either flank adds flexibility, though his end product—two goals and three assists in his last 15 league appearances—will need to improve to justify a seven-figure fee.
The contrasting styles reflect the broader tactical trends in the Scottish Premiership. Celtic prioritise control and verticality, with Brendan Rodgers’ system demanding a striker who can press and link play, while Rangers rely on quick transitions and width, with Postecoglou’s philosophy demanding wingers who can stretch play and exploit space. Mohamed’s physicality suits the former, while Bakayoko’s dynamism aligns with the latter. Neither signing would be a luxury; both would address immediate needs, with the added pressure of European football demanding squad depth.
As the January window approaches, the next 10 days will be decisive. If Celtic and Rangers fail to land their targets, they may pivot to Plan B—with both clubs already monitoring alternatives, including uncapped youngsters and established names in lower leagues. For now, though, the race is on, and the Old Firm’s ambitions are on the line, with every passing day bringing fresh speculation about who might yet force a move.
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