Celtic target Niels Nkounkou as Eintracht Frankfurt defender considers next move

Celtic have stepped up their efforts to sign France defender of Congolese descent, Niels Nkounkou, with the Scottish club looking to beat French side Nice to the versatile left-back.

According to Foot Mercato, Celtic have increased their pursuit of the 25-year-old, whose future at Frankfurt is uncertain after he was left out of their first two matches of the new season.

Nkounkou is valued at around €3m and remains under contract with the German club until 2028.

Nice move now unlikely

Nkounkou had been tracked by Nice and reportedly had an agreement in place with the French club should Melvin Bard leave.

However, Bard’s departure does not currently appear likely, despite reported interest from Coventry City, reducing the chances of Nkounkou returning to France.

Celtic have therefore emerged as a potential destination for the player as they look to strengthen their squad.

Playing time falls at Frankfurt

Nkounkou joined Eintracht Frankfurt from Saint-Étienne for €7.5m in the summer of 2023.

He enjoyed a full first campaign with the Bundesliga club before his opportunities decreased during the 2024-25 season.

The decline in playing time prompted a loan move to Torino for the 2025-26 campaign, but the switch to Italy did little to improve his situation.

Nkounkou made 13 appearances across all competitions for Torino, playing only 443 minutes in total.

Celtic move could offer fresh start

The defender has now been overlooked for Frankfurt’s opening two matches of the current campaign, increasing uncertainty over his future.

With his contract running until 2028, Frankfurt remain in a position to negotiate a transfer, but his reported €3m valuation could make him an attainable target for Celtic.

The Scottish club are now working to secure a deal for Nkounkou, who could be offered an opportunity to revive his career with regular first-team football at Celtic Park.