Moussa Baradji, linked with Celtic, now set to join Blackburn Rovers | OneFootball

Well, that’s one name we can definitely score off the list. Moussa Baradji, the Yverdon Sport midfielder who had been linked with a summer switch to Celtic, looks set to join Blackburn Rovers instead.

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

The French-born Malian had reportedly attracted attention from a number of clubs across Europe — including Galatasaray, Torino, Parma, and newly promoted Sunderland — with Celtic named among those eyeing a potential £2.5m deal.

Baradji, 24, was seen as a potential box-to-box option who could have brought a bit of dynamism and depth to Brendan Rodgers’ midfield.

Despite Yverdon being relegated from the Swiss top flight, the midfielder apparently stood out as a rare bright spark in a struggling side, catching the eye with his energy, athleticism, and willingness to drive the play forward.

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

Now, according to a report in The Lancashire Post Baradji has flown into England to complete a medical ahead of a permanent move to Ewood Park. Blackburn Rovers, managed by former West Brom boss Valérien Ismaël, appear to have won the ‘race’ for his signature. Blackburn Rovers agree deal for midfielder in double transfer swoop

The midfielder has flown into England and is undergoing a medical, ahead of a permanent move from Yverdon Sport FC, who were relegated from the Swiss top-flight last season.

The fee is unknown at this stage but the 24-year-old was recently linked with the likes of Celtic and Sunderland.

Those reports touted a potential deal in the region of £2.5million. Baradji is French-born but has Malian heritage. He came through the ranks in France before an impressive year in Italy earned him the move to Yverdon. Despite their relegation from Switzerland’s top tier, he was the star player and caught the eye of several clubs.]]Baradji is a box-to-box midfielder and will add further athleticism to Valerien Ismael’s options.’

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. Yverdon-les-Bains Stade Municipal Vaud Switzerland Photo: Mediafab Photography Fabrice De Gasperis

Whatever interest Celtic may have had in Baradji, whether it was real or just agent talk doing the rounds in the press and using Celtic’s name to flush out further interest, or sharpen someone’s focus in another boardroom, it’s now a moot point. He won’t be heading to Celtic this summer.

So, that’s one name off the radar. As for Baradji, good luck to the lad down south.

Niall J

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