Having already added one World Cup star to their squad, Celtic could be about to capture another after being linked with Aissa Laidouni.
Ange Postecoglou was hunting a holding midfielder in the summer. Vinicius Souza was on the wishlist but after a number of clubs tried to land him, the Brazilian opted to join Espanol in La Liga. Aaron Mooy was familiar to Postecoglou and eventually arrived on a free transfer, while Oliver Abildgaard was a deadline day signing on loan from Rubin Kazan, but has yet to make any real impression. A specialist is still being sought and Laidouni could fit the bill.
Laidouni impressed during the World Cup for Tunisia despite going out in the group stages, starring in their impressive victory over holders France. Wolfsburg are also thought to be interested in the 25-year-old, who enjoyed a good season with Hungarian club Ferencvaros. He could be available for £3.5million.
He’d face stiff competition for a spot in a strong midfield, however. Record Sport takes a closer look at what Celtic would be getting in Laidouni.
Who is he?
Laidouni started his career with hometown team Angers in western France. He was born there, but is of Tunisian descent so qualifies via his family. Angers loaned him out Les Herbiers, and Chambly before he moved to Romanian outfit Voluntari after just one top team appearance for Angers.
He made the switch to ferencFerencvarosvaros in 2020 and has been a regular ever since. He’s made 102 appearances for the Hungarian champs in two-and-a-half years, gaining European experience in the Champions League and Europa League in recent seasons, which would take a fairly important box for the Hoops.
What type of player is he?
Primarily a defensive midfielder, Laidouni is more than just a destroyer, as evidenced by 19 goals and 22 assists during his career to date. 48 yellows suggests he’s fond of a tackle, but is yet to be sent off in his career, so discipline isn’t a foreign concept to him.
Averaging 16 challenges per match, Laidouni is equally effective in the air, winning 58 per cent aerial duels - the same number as those won on the deck of which heaverages 16 per appearance. 4.1 tackles per game is coupled with 4.4 dribbles on average, 67 per cent of which are completed. Pressing is one of his main strengths, being successful with that 57 per ent of the time, which makes him well suited to Celtic’s style.
Who is he similar to?
In terms of similar players who can do a bit of both, former Spurs man Tanguay Ndomlele is similar in style. Others who are likened in style include Marseille’s Jordan Veretout, Geoffrey Kondogbia of Atletico Madrid and Atalanta man Teun Koopmeiners.
Anything else stand out?
Laidouni’s love of a tackle was evident in Tunisia’s goalless draw with Denmark. With less than a minute on the clock, he launched into a slide tackle on Danish playmaker and star man Christian Eriksen. Winning the ball, Laidouni turned to the sizable Tunisian support and celebrated as if he’d just scored. How very Scott Brown.
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