Kilmarnock make move for Celtic midfielder
Ibrahim joined Celtic a year ago from PSV Eindhoven but has had limited opportunities to force his way into Neil Lennon’s first team plans with his last appearance being in the 1-1 draw at home to Arbroath in the Scottish Cup.
UPDATE: Kilmarnock have confirmed that a two year deal has been signed
Lennon has no shortage of midfield options with Dylan McGeouch, Filip Twardzik, Jackson Irvine and John Herron all making first team appearances in the first half of the season.
Ibrahim has been tipped for big things for a number of years but after spells at Sporting Lisbon and PSV Eindhoven before moving to Celtic he is still waiting for the breakthrough.
Despite his lack of club appearances the 21-year-old is with the Nigerian squad preparing for the African Nations Cup but faces a tough task to make it into the finals squad for South Africa.
While any deal has still to be completed the Nigerian website Mobi Super Sport have quotes from Ibrahim that the deal has been signed.
Discounting a move to Russia they quote the midfielder saying: “As far as I was concerned, Russia was my destination but the moment Kilmarnock showed an interest I was happy because I really wanted to stay in Scotland and Kilmarnock play modern passing (game). They often play 4-3-3 with a playmaker which suits me.
“The manager of Kilmarnock (Kenny Shiels) spoke to my manager and also spoke with me and I am excited about his plans.
“I am very happy in Glasgow and I have really settled in here and I believe I can do great things in the SPL. I have to keep fighting. Football is a fight, and success doesn’t come easy.
“In Sporting Lisbon I fought for a place with captain Joao Moutinho and at PSV Eindhoven I competed for a place with Ola Toivonen, the captain and Kevin Strootman, these are all top players.
“Now at Celtic there are senior, experienced and influential players like Scot Brown, the captain, Victor Wanyama, Chris Commons etc, who can all play in the same position.
“I can’t expect to be ahead of these players and that’s the reality. I am now in Kilmarnock, the fight goes on.”
Ibrahim’s agent Tony Harris added: “Rabiu is an exceptionally gifted player. This could well be the perfect fulcrum for him. There were discussions for Rabiu to go on loan to a couple of SPL clubs but eventually he was allowed to leave Celtic and move to Kilmarnock. He has signed a two-year contract.
“Celtic are doing well in the SPL and Champions League, and they have lots of experience in the midfield, hence his opportunities were limited.
“There was a possibility for Rabiu to go to Russia but his preference is to remain in the UK for now. He has great ambitions and I am happy for him.”
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