The 24-year-old has struggled for rhythm this season and has not been a regular source of goals. That lack of output has already placed pressure on his position within the squad. Interest from abroad has followed alongside questions about his role.
Over the weekend, Bamba was left out of competitive action by his club. The decision raised eyebrows given the timing and the growing transfer talk. Lorient still secured a win without him.The club later clarified that his absence was not linked to injury.
Mohamed Bamba’s situation in France has taken another turn as attention around his future continues to grow.
The Lorient striker has been on the radar of Celtic during the January window. Recent events at his club have added new context to that interest.
Instead, it was tied to internal standards and behaviour. The matter has now been addressed by manager Olivier Pantaloni, with the player back among the group.
He said: (TCW), “It was simply a minor sanction for a lack of group discipline.
“Repeated lapses have led me to believe that, at a certain point, to perform well, one must also adhere to the discipline we’ve established.“There have been a few shortcomings in this regard and he has been sanctioned for them.
“Sambou (Soumano) still has some discomfort in his knee. So, we’ll see how it develops.”
Bamba has since returned to full training with Lorient. His reintegration suggests the issue was short-term rather than serious. The club appears keen to move forward without prolonging the situation.
Despite that, his future remains uncertain as the window progresses. Celtic’s search for attacking options has been well documented. Bamba continues to be one of several names linked with a possible move.
Any transfer may be affected by Lorient’s current squad concerns. With Sambou Soumano dealing with a knee problem, attacking depth has become a factor. That situation could delay any decision involving Bamba.
From Lorient’s point of view, stability matters at this stage of the season. Losing a forward while another is a doubt would carry risk. That reality may shape how quickly they act.
For Celtic, the picture is equally complex. The club is weighing short-term needs against long-term fit. Availability alone may not be enough to push a deal forward.
Bamba’s return to training shows he remains part of Lorient’s plans for now. Whether that continues beyond the coming fixtures is still unclear.
Much may depend on fitness updates elsewhere in the squad.As January moves on, timing may become the key factor. Clubs often wait until pressure forces movement. That moment may not have arrived yet in this case.
Celtic’s interest has not disappeared, but neither side appears rushed. The situation remains open rather than advanced. Developments in the coming days could quickly shift the balance.