Celtic among clubs interested in midfielder Moussa Baradji

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The Celtic Star

·24. Juni 2025

Celtic among clubs interested in midfielder Moussa Baradji

Celtic have today been linked with a move for Yverdon Sport midfielder Moussa Baradji, with AfricaSport reporting the French-Malian midfielder also said to be high on newly promoted EPL side Sunderland’s radar this summer, alongside Galatasaray, Torino, Parma and Fiorentina.

Basel, Switzerland, April 21st 2025: A duel between Moussa Baradji 28 Yverdon and Joe Mendes 17 Basel during the Super League match between FC Basel 1893 and Yverdon FC at St. Jakob Park in Basel, Switzerland. Photo Philipp Kresnik IMAGO

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‘After a huge first season in the Swiss Super League, in the colours of Yverdon Sport, which was unfortunately relegated at the end of the play-offs, the Franco-Malian midfielder Moussa Baradji should have a change of scenery this summer.

‘According to information from Africafoot, Sunderland have contacted the 24-year-old’s representatives. In search of reinforcements for their return to the elite of English football, the Black Cats hope to find an agreement with Moussa Baradji.

‘Moussa Baradji has already been approached by several European clubs this summer. Fiorentina, Parma AC, Torino FC, FC Basel and Celtic Glasgow are reportedly hot on his heels. Galatasaray are also among the player’s suitors, as announced exclusively by Africafoot in April.

Thus, it will now be difficult for Yverdon Sport to keep its Franco-Malian midfielder for much longer, recruited last summer for 250,000 euros from the modest Legnago team, playing in the Italian Serie C.’

Baradji only moved clubs last summer, having previously been in Serie C in Italy with Legnago. However, with current club Yverdon Sport having been relegated, the door has opened for a player who is likely to want to play top-flight football.

The central midfielder is one for the No6 role in a Celtic team, with his attributes very much suiting the role of a deep lying playmaker.

Moussa Baradji 28, Yverdon Sport FC and Anthony Sauthier 32, Yverdon Sport FC after the 2-1 victory during the Swiss Football League match between Yverdon Sport FC and FC Winterthur on Saturday 08.03.2025 at the Stade Municipal in Yverdon-les-Bains, Switzerland. Photo: Mediafab Photography Fabrice De Gasperis

MOUSSA BARADJI

Position: Central Midfielder (CM), can also play DM or as a deep-lying playmaker

Foot: Right

Age: 22

Club: Yverdon Sport FC (Switzerland, Super League)

International Caps: None

Goals/Assists 2023–24: 1 Goal, 3 Assists in 30 matches (Super League + Cup)

Style of Play: Deep-Lying Midfielder: Baradji plays primarily at the base of midfield, orchestrating build-up play and offering a reliable outlet for defenders under pressure. He frequently drops deep to collect the ball and acts as a pivot to switch play or initiate forward movement.

Vertical Passing Range: One of his standout traits is his progressive passing. He’s adept at playing line-breaking passes into the feet of attacking midfielders or switching play to wide areas. His vision and technique allow him to inject tempo into slower passages of play.

Composed in Tight Spaces: Shows real composure in congested midfield areas. He’s calm on the ball, rarely rushed, and uses short touches and clever body feints to evade pressure. Particularly effective at recycling possession rather than forcing play.

Positional Intelligence: While not overly aggressive defensively, Baradji positions himself well to cut off passing lanes and slow down opposition counters. His game is more about control than disruption, but he understands when to step up and when to hold.

Technical Control: Not flashy, but efficient with the ball. Uses quick turns and small bursts of movement to maintain possession. Can draw fouls with his balance and control, especially when under pressure.

Moussa Baradji 28, Yverdon Sport FC during the Swiss League match between Yverdon Sport FC and FC Sion on Saturday 10.05.2025 at the Stade Municipal in Yverdon-les-Bains, Switzerland. Yverdon-les-Bains Stade Municipal Vaud Switzerland. Photo Mediafab Photography Fabrice De Gasperis

Weaknesses

Limited Physical Edge: Struggles in physical duels, particularly against more dynamic or athletic midfielders. Lacks the upper-body strength to consistently win 1v1 battles, which can be exposed in high-tempo or transitional games.

Low Output in Final Third: Despite his involvement in build-up, he rarely provides goals or decisive final passes. Prefers to operate behind the attacking phase, which limits his creative stats and end-product.

Aerial Limitations: Seldom wins aerial duels, which reduces his utility on set pieces at both ends. Not a liability, but not a strength either.

Celtic Star Rating: ★★★☆☆

Stylistically Baradji may well be a good fit for Celtic, as a calm, intelligent midfielder who might be able to thrive in a team with high possession and structured build-up. He could complement a more aggressive ball-winner and could arguably provide rhythm to Celtic’s build up from deep lying positions.

However, he does perhaps lack the physicality and impact in the final third to immediately improve Celtic’s midfield, where being solely a defensive midfielder may limit his chances at gametime in a Brendan Rodgers team.

Brendan Rodgers. Dundee United v Celtic, 26 April 2025. Photo Vagelis Georgariou (The Celtic Star)

He very much looks the sort of player we’d probably describe as a Celtic ‘project’ signing. If we took a long-term view, he’d maybe benefit from time spent in a squad rotation role before he is trusted in bigger games like Champions League or against the likes of Hibs, Hearts and theRangers.

I’m not certain there is much in this link, in fact Celtic’s name being attached is often used by players representatives to sharpen the focus of the real target, likely Sunderland it would appear in this case. If he was to sign for Celtic, I wouldn’t be disappointed but it is unlikely he’d be viewed as much more than a rotational option if we did, at least initially.

Niall J

Celtic supporters in Lisbon

READ THIS ON THE IRISH VOICE…Hail Hail, the Celts are everywhere!

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