Celtic target Le Havre defensive midfielder, Simon Ebonog
Celtic are monitoring French side Le Havre’s midfielder Simon Ebonog ahead of the upcoming January transfer window, but face competition with La Liga side Sevilla also linked with the Cameroonian born player…
The 22 year old is a regular starter with the Ligue one side, and even skippered them on one occasion recently, and his impressive performances in the middle of the park have impressed Celtic scouts and many others who have been in regular attendance at the French side’s fixtures this season.
Ebonog can play as a central midfielder or in a defensive midfield role as well. Obviously, both of those are positions where Martin O’Neill could do with more depth and quality right now.
Celtic are clearly missing some quality in the middle of the park after the summer departures of Arne Engels, and Reo Hatate, and although Mika Baur has been impressive, fellow signing Oliver Sorensen has been a massive let down so far while Benjamin Nygren has gone off the boil and his goals have dried up.
Ebonog’s best position is said to be as an aggressive holding midfielder, but according to several scouting reports he’s still learning his trade with a few improvements needed in his game.
The 6ft 1 inch 22 year old who is under contract at Le Havre until the summer of 2029 is rated in the £4 million bracket.
Here are the player’s Key Scouting & Performance Traits
Defensive Workrate & Activity: Active in the tackle and defensive transitions, averaging around 2.1 to 3 tackles and interceptions per 90 minutes. Registers high ball recoveries (approx. 9 per 90).
Pressing & Off-the-Ball: Shows a solid press score and energy in the middle of the park.
Ball Progression & Dribbling: Willing to drive forward with the ball from deep areas, recording double-digit successful dribbles, though efficiency under high-intensity pressure can occasionally lead to turnovers (loses possession under pressure roughly 1.9 times per 90).
Creative Output: Low direct goal and assist numbers (0 to low per 90 tallies), functioning more as a defensive/balancing screen rather than an advanced playmaker.
Is Simon Ebonog the player the club should be targeting to fill our midfield void? Maybe, he certainly fits the profile but we are bound to be linked with multiple targets and remember January is always a difficult window to do business in (unless we are selling) as clubs don’t want to lose their best players.
Just an Ordinary Bhoy
