If a recent report from Sky Germany (as cited by The Daily Record) is believed to be true, Celtic have registered their interest in Soufiane El-Faouzi. But they are not alone in the hunt, with Premier League duo Brentford and Sunderland, Serie A side Bologna, and the French outfit Rennes already keeping close tabs on the Schalke midfielder.
The 23-year-old youngster progressed through the Sportfreunde Siegen’s academy ranks, where he made his senior debut in the lower league of the German football pyramid. SC Paderborn snapped him up for their reserves, followed by a move to the youth side of Fortuna Düsseldorf, who were competing in Regionalliga West during his two-year stint.
Rise In Germany
Alemannia Aachen tied him down on a Bosman in the summer of 2024, and his impressive season-long stint in the third division earned him a €200k switch to Schalke 04 last summer. El-Faouzi, a regular starter for them in the second tier, has contributed significantly to their top-flight return. So far, he has featured 32 times for the Gelsenkirchen club, scoring twice and assisting five times in the 2. Bundesliga [stats via Transfermarket].
PADERBORN, GERMANY – APRIL 26: (L-R) Filip Bilbija of SC Paderborn challenges Soufiane El-Faouzi of FC Schalke 04 during the 2. Bundesliga match between SC Paderborn 07 and FC Schalke 04 at Benteler Arena on April 26, 2026 in Paderborn, Germany. (Photo by Christof Koepsel/Getty Images)
El-Faouzi’s valuation has now increased following Schalke’s promotion, as the Royal Blues would prefer to keep hold of him unless his suitors meet the demanded £10.3m fee for the midfielder. Celtic are focusing on a ‘domestic double’ under Martin O’Neill. Yet the board must work behind the scenes to find the veteran Northern Irishman’s long-term successor from next season onwards. Moreover, the business must be concluded early, unlike the past couple of windows, as they left it late and ended up with several below-par signings.
Why Celtic Are Chasing The Youngster
Although the Hoops, on paper, are well-equipped in the centre of the pitch, they could soon face a significant crisis amid uncertainties over several stars’ futures. Skipper Callum McGregor is still going strong as a deep-lying playmaker, but the growing interest in Engels could force them to cash in on the Belgian.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Luke McCowan, Reo Hatate, and Paulo Bernardo are also there as box-to-box options. However, the club have not decided whether to extend Oxlade-Chamberlain’s contract beyond this season. McCowan is only good enough as a squad option, and the lack of minutes could see both Hatate and Bernardo part ways for fresh opportunities elsewhere.
Predominantly a ‘number 8’, El-Faouzi has also demonstrated his expertise as a midfield attacker. He often shifts to the deep to script attacking transitions with strong dribbling, tackling, energy and key passing attributes, thus ticking the boxes of an all-round ace, who would flourish in Scottish football.
