BREAKING NEWS: Celtic's Loan Bid for Mahamadou Diawara Rejected...

Celtic’s Loan Bid for Mahamadou Diawara Rejected by Lyon as Transfer Deadline Looms

Celtic’s pursuit of Lyon’s highly-rated midfielder, Mahamadou Diawara, has hit a significant snag as the French club has reportedly rejected an offer from the Scottish champions. With the summer transfer window closing rapidly, Brendan Rodgers and his team are scrambling to bolster their squad for the upcoming season. However, their latest attempt to secure Diawara on loan appears to have been firmly rebuffed by Lyon, creating uncertainty over the club’s plans.

Mahamadou Diawara, 19, emerged as one of the brightest young talents in Ligue 1 last season, making his breakthrough with Lyon’s first team. His performances have caught the attention of several European clubs, with Celtic being among the most determined to secure his services. The Scottish Premiership side, aiming to maintain their domestic dominance and make a significant impact in European competitions, see Diawara as a key addition to their midfield.

Celtic’s interest in Diawara comes amid ongoing changes in their squad. The departure of Matt O’Riley to Brighton for a Scottish transfer record fee has left a void in the midfield, one that Rodgers is keen to fill before the transfer window slams shut. While the signing of Augsburg’s Arne Engels is reportedly close, Diawara was also identified as a top target.

According to reports from French outlet Foot Mercato, Celtic made a concrete offer to Lyon, proposing a season-long loan deal for Diawara with an option to buy at the end of the campaign. The proposed fee for the permanent transfer was set at €8 million, a sum that reflects the high regard in which the young midfielder is held.

However, Lyon has responded decisively, rejecting the offer and making it clear that they have no intention of parting with their rising star. Diawara recently signed a contract extension with the French side, keeping him at the club until 2028. This long-term commitment indicates Lyon’s belief in his potential and their unwillingness to consider a sale, especially at the proposed fee.

The rejection of Celtic’s offer creates a significant roadblock for the Glasgow club as they approach the final hours of the transfer window. Lyon’s stance on Diawara suggests that any deal for the midfielder would require a substantial increase in the proposed transfer fee, a scenario that may prove difficult for Celtic to navigate.

Moreover, with Diawara’s contract still having four years to run, Lyon holds the leverage in negotiations, allowing them to set a high asking price for any club interested in their prized asset. For Celtic, this could mean revisiting their transfer strategy and potentially turning their attention to alternative targets if a deal for Diawara proves too costly.

As the transfer window draws to a close, Celtic’s management will need to act swiftly to address their midfield needs. While the rejection of their bid for Diawara is a setback, the club’s pursuit of other targets, such as Arne Engels, suggests that reinforcements are on the way.

However, the failure to secure Diawara could be seen as a missed opportunity, especially if the young midfielder continues to impress in France. For now, Celtic must regroup and focus on making the most of the remaining time in the transfer window, ensuring they have the depth and quality required for the challenges that lie ahead.