Tiemoue Bakayoko says he is confident he will rediscover his best form despite 21 months out of football, after training with Celtic.
The 32-year-old midfielder, who has played for Monaco, Chelsea and AC Milan, has been without a club since leaving PAOK in January 2025.
Celtic training opportunity
Celtic explored signing the Ligue 1 and Serie A winner in January but instead brought in Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain. Reports suggest the France international has been training at Lennoxtown to earn a deal.
Martin O'Neill's side went into the international break with three consecutive defeats, losing twice to Rangers either side of a Europa League loss to Ferencvaros. The departure of Arne Engels to West Ham has been highlighted as a major void after the Hoops failed to sign Gvidas Gineitis from Torino in the summer window.
Bakayoko's fitness and hunger
Speaking in August, Bakayoko insisted he is ready for a comeback. He told Foot Mercato: "I feel great physically today. I've been working every day for months; I've never stopped or taken a break."
"I have a personal trainer who prepares my sessions and monitors me daily. We work on different aspects, with pure physical work and, of course, sessions with the ball."
"I also receive treatment for recovery and pay close attention to my lifestyle and diet. I want to give myself every chance to arrive at a club ready and perform well quickly."
"I've played in the biggest leagues and among the best teams in Europe. I know what the very highest level is and what it demands. I'm still hungry."
Past struggles and future plans
Before leaving PAOK, Bakayoko made just seven appearances before his short-term contract ended. In the 2023/24 season at Lorient, he managed 15 appearances after hamstring and thigh knocks before being released.
The midfielder, whom Chelsea once paid £40 million to sign from Monaco, said: "I have no doubt that I'll get back to my best. I'm in good physical shape, and mentally I have the same desire as when I started, and even more!"
"I feel much better physically than in my best years. I know I'm repeating myself, but after some difficulties I've been through, I'm hungrier than ever, for the pitch and for the ball."
He added that he is prepared to take a "risk" and move outside a top five European league, saying: "I'm waiting for a concrete offer. I'm not ruling anything out. I'm not afraid to 'take a risk' by going where I'm not expected."
