Celtic are among a number of clubs monitoring Soufiane El-Faouzi, the Schalke 04 midfielder, with a potential transfer fee of up to €13 million reported by Sky Germany. The 23-year-old has been a standout performer for Schalke as they secured promotion back to the Bundesliga, having joined the club from Alemannia Aachen for a modest €200,000 last summer.
El-Faouzi quickly established himself as a key player under manager Miron Muslic, featuring as a dynamic box-to-box midfielder who primarily operates on the right side of central midfield. While he has contributed with two goals and five assists this season, his strengths lie in his defensive work rate and energetic pressing. Data analytics firm SciSports ranks him highly in numerous defensive metrics, alongside surprisingly strong attacking contributions like dribbling and crossing.
Brentford and Sunderland are also reportedly interested in El-Faouzi, making a competitive bidding situation likely. Schalke, however, are reluctant to sell and the player himself is open to remaining with the club and playing in the Bundesliga. The club’s need to generate funds following a significant outlay in January, when they anticipated a sale of Moussa Sylla that did not materialize, may force their hand.
For Celtic, the potential acquisition of El-Faouzi is linked to the ongoing uncertainty surrounding captain Callum McGregor’s future. A fee of €13 million would represent a substantial investment for the Scottish champions, making him their joint-second-most expensive signing alongside Arne Engels. The possibility of selling Engels for a reported €30 million or more could provide Celtic with the financial flexibility to pursue El-Faouzi as a replacement for McGregor or as a further midfield reinforcement.
