Celtic enter talks for Leeds striker, but Rangers link could complicate deal as Middlesbrough monitors situation.

Celtic are reportedly in discussions with Leeds United over a potential deal for striker Joel Piroe, though the situation is complicated by the Premier League side’s links to Rangers through shared ownership. The Hoops are keen to strengthen their attacking options under Martin O’Neill, who recently returned as manager, as they look to close the gap on league leaders Hearts in the Scottish Premiership title race. Currently sitting second, Celtic trail Hearts by six points and view the acquisition of a forward as a key step in their push to regain the top spot.

Leeds United’s 26-year-old Piroe has made only 10 appearances in the Premier League this season, prompting speculation about a move away from Elland Road. Celtic have reportedly entered negotiations with Leeds to secure a loan deal for the Dutch forward during the January window, offering to meet his wage expectations. However, Leeds appear to prefer a permanent transfer in order to maintain compliance with the division’s Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR). While a loan could be feasible, the club’s close ties with Rangers through 49ers Enterprises could complicate any deal with the Scottish champions.

Interest from Middlesbrough adds an extra layer of complexity to Piroe’s future. The Championship side, currently second in the table and challenging for automatic promotion, are monitoring the situation closely. Middlesbrough could have an advantage if Leeds’ affiliation with Rangers proves problematic for Celtic, as Boro would not face the same internal complications in negotiating a transfer. With two points separating them from third-place Ipswich Town, manager Kim Hellberg’s squad is keen to reinforce their attacking options, making Piroe a highly attractive prospect.

From a player’s perspective, Piroe remains in control of his future. Leeds are not forcing the striker out, and he has yet to indicate any desire to leave. Under contract until the summer of 2027, Piroe retains significant transfer value, meaning Leeds could look to monetize the situation if a move is to occur this month. Celtic’s interest, while genuine, could be hampered by the ownership dynamics with Rangers, which may ultimately make Middlesbrough the more straightforward option if a January exit materializes.

The circumstances also reflect Celtic’s broader challenge in securing top-level reinforcements mid-season. O’Neill has been clear about the need to bring in a striker capable of complementing the squad’s current options. While the Hoops have depth, the addition of a forward with Premier League experience like Piroe would provide a significant boost, particularly as Celtic seek to maintain pressure on Hearts and strengthen their position in domestic competition.

On the other hand, Middlesbrough are eyeing the striker for entirely pragmatic reasons. The Championship club is in the thick of the promotion battle and any acquisition of a player like Piroe could have an immediate impact. Leeds’ reluctance to negotiate a loan makes Boro a potentially more viable destination, particularly if Celtic cannot overcome the ownership-related hurdles. Hellberg’s team has the added advantage of being ready to integrate the forward into their campaign without any external complications, which could influence Piroe’s decision if he wants to maximize playing time this season.

Overall, the situation highlights a balancing act between player ambition, club strategy, and ownership interests. Celtic are keen to pursue the Dutch forward and appear willing to meet his financial demands, but Leeds’ preference for a permanent transfer, coupled with the Rangers connection, could hinder negotiations. Middlesbrough, meanwhile, are monitoring the developments carefully and could present a smoother path to first-team football for Piroe.

In the meantime, the player remains in control. With a contract extending through 2027 and a limited role in Leeds’ current campaign, Piroe has the opportunity to consider his options carefully. The January window is a critical period for both Celtic and Middlesbrough, and the next moves by all parties will likely determine where the striker will play for the remainder of the season. If Celtic can navigate the ownership-related challenges and secure the deal, they would gain a proven forward to boost their attacking line. If not, Middlesbrough could capitalize, strengthening their push for promotion with a player of notable Premier League experience.

As the window progresses, all eyes will remain on Piroe, Leeds, Celtic, and Middlesbrough, with the forward’s future remaining one of the more intriguing transfer sagas of the January period.

Martin O’Neill responds to Callum Wilson links with Celtic

Speculation linking Callum Wilson with a potential move to Celtic has been played down by Martin O’Neill, who claims the reports came as a surprise to him.

The West Ham United striker has been widely tipped to be on the lookout for a new club during the current transfer window, with his future at the London Stadium appearing uncertain. Recent reports suggested that Celtic had made an approach to West Ham to explore the possibility of bringing the experienced forward to Glasgow, but O’Neill insists he has no concrete knowledge of any such discussions.

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Wilson, a former England international, has struggled for regular minutes this season and, at 33, is understood to be keen on securing more consistent game time. That situation has naturally fuelled rumours about a possible move away from West Ham, with Celtic among the clubs mentioned as potential suitors as they search for attacking reinforcements.

However, speaking to the media, O’Neill distanced himself from the reports and made it clear that Wilson’s name had not been part of his immediate thinking. Asked directly about the striker, the interim Celtic boss admitted the speculation was new to him.

“I can’t really tell you anything,” O’Neill said. “To be honest, it was actually news to me. We are looking for goals, of course, but that’s hardly unique to Celtic. Every team is searching for reliable goal scorers.”

While he refused to comment on Wilson specifically, O’Neill did stress that Celtic are actively working behind the scenes to strengthen their squad. He suggested that progress is being made, even if he could not offer supporters concrete names or details at this stage.

“I can’t go into specifics,” he added. “But we are making progress. I do think we’re getting closer. We’re definitely nearer now than we were.”

O’Neill also acknowledged the challenges that come with being questioned publicly about transfers while negotiations are ongoing. He admitted that while he enjoys speaking to the media, transfer-related questions can be uncomfortable due to the sensitivity of the process and the timing involved.

“I enjoy the conversations, I really do,” he said. “But I dread the transfer questions because these things don’t usually get resolved straight away. Often it’s not until later in the window, sometimes even the second or third of February.”

Despite that, the veteran manager sounded cautiously optimistic that Celtic supporters would soon see movement in the market. He indicated that the club is hopeful of bringing new players in sooner rather than later, potentially within the next week.

“I would be hoping that by some stage next week we would have people through the door,” O’Neill said, offering reassurance to fans growing impatient for signings.

Addressing Wilson’s situation more generally, O’Neill was quick to praise the striker’s quality, even while distancing Celtic from any firm interest. He described Wilson as a “very fine player” but suggested he had assumed the forward was bound for another destination.

“I hadn’t thought about that move at all,” he said. “Not because he’s not a very good player – he is – but I genuinely thought he was heading elsewhere.”

That assumption may be supported by further reports from the Scottish Sun, which claim that Wilson could be set for a move outside the UK altogether. According to the report, Saudi Pro League side Al-Shabab are leading the race to sign the striker and are prepared to offer him a deal that would take him to the Middle East.

If that proves accurate, it would effectively rule out a move to Celtic and underline the competitive nature of the market for experienced forwards. Clubs from wealthier leagues and regions are often able to offer financial packages that Scottish sides struggle to match, particularly for players with Premier League pedigree.

For Celtic, the situation highlights the complexity of their search for attacking options. While the club are clearly prioritising the addition of a striker, they must balance experience, cost, availability, and long-term planning. O’Neill’s comments suggest that, while names like Wilson may be circulating in the media, Celtic’s actual targets may lie elsewhere.

As the transfer window moves into a decisive phase, clarity is expected to arrive quickly. Whether or not Wilson’s future is resolved in the coming days, Celtic fans will be watching closely for tangible progress, hopeful that the club’s pursuit of “elusive goal scorers” finally results in new arrivals before the window closes.