Free agent winger Anwar El Ghazi offered to play for Celtic for free at the weekend after the Green Brigade’s show of support for the Palestinian cause. He can’t do so, however.
Already this season, El Ghazi has turned out for two clubs. FIFA rules state that players can only play for a maximum of two in one campaign.
At the beginning of 2023/24, the Dutch international winger played twice for Feyenoord in the Eredivisie and Johan Cruijff Schaal. He then moved to German side Mainz at the end of the summer window where he made three Bundesliga appearances before having his contract terminated in November.
Currently a free agent, El Ghazi cannot play for any more teams this season but could sign for Celtic. This is because players can be registered with three teams, yet can play for only two in a single season.
A move for El Ghazi is potentially something to watch come summer. The Celtic hierarchy would be rubbing their hands at a player offering to play for free, but El Ghazi does have the quality to boot.
Still 28 and adept on both the left and right wings, he has over 100 Aston Villa appearances to his name, and he turned out exactly 100 times for Ajax. Having played countless games in the English, French, and Dutch top flights along with having Europa League and Champions League experience, El Ghazi would offer quality that some of Celtic’s current wingers perhaps don’t.
