If a recent report from AS reporter Pipa Sierra (as quoted by The Daily Record) is believed to be true, Celtic are keeping close tabs on Yaser Asprilla ahead of a potential winter move. But they are not alone in the hunt, with French giants Marseille, Dutch heavyweights Ajax and West Ham from south of the border also keeping close tabs on the Girona winger.
The 22-year-old Colombian international progressed through the academy ranks of Envigado before impressing for the seniors back in his homeland. Watford splashed €3m to secure his services following extensive scouting, but sanctioned a transfer to Girona within three years. They made a significant profit from his departure, with the La Liga side paying €18m, and an additional €6 million possible in performance-related add-ons, for the young attacker.
Although the coffee growers star was flourishing in the English Championship with 6 goals and 7 assists in 44 outings, the high-profile switch to Spain has happened too soon.
He only netted three times in 33 La Liga appearances during the 2024-25 season. However, his numbers are even worse so far this campaign.
GIRONA, SPAIN – FEBRUARY 03: Yaser Asprilla of Girona FC celebrates scoring his team’s second goal during the LaLiga match between Girona FC and UD Las Palmas at Montilivi Stadium on February 03, 2025 in Girona, Spain. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)
With just one assist in 15 league outings, Asprilla should now explore a fresh challenge, having failed to secure a starting status week in and week out under Míchel. The FIFA World Cup is scheduled in six months, and the winger must prove his worth to stake a claim in Néstor Lorenzo’s squad.
Although the profiles of Marseille, Ajax and West Ham might be more fascinating, a move to Celtic could see him attain regular gametime, given their crisis down the right-hand flank. Primarily left-footed, Asprilla prefers to operate from the right as an inverted winger, and his flair, swift footwork, cut-insides and crosses would boost Martin O’Neill, who has reiterated the necessity of reinforcements to retain the league crown amid a three-horse title race with Hearts and Rangers.
Despite acknowledging him as an important asset, Blanquivermells have not got what they hoped for while investing such a hefty fee for the youngster. But he is tied down at Estadi Montilivi until the summer of 2030, which rules out any potential cut-price exit. A short-term loan is the most suitable solution, and the Hoops, having roped in Tomas Cvancara from Borussia Monchengladbach for the rest of the season, should now bring in the wideman for his ability to whip in pinpoint crosses for the Czech centre-forward.
James Forrest is at the twilight of his career, thus leaving the Celts with Yang Hyun-Jun as the only designated right-winger. Asprilla would challenge the South Korean for the starting spot, as well as freshen up their attacking third.
