Celtic identify the ‘La Liga unicorn’ as their top target amid reports of an eight-figure valuation.

Celtic are reportedly stepping up their pursuit of a new striker ahead of the summer transfer window, with former Real Madrid forward Alvaro Rodriguez emerging as one of their leading attacking targets.

The Glasgow club are expected to prioritise strengthening their forward line this summer after enduring an inconsistent season in front of goal. Finding a reliable source of goals became a recurring issue during the campaign, leaving the club increasingly aware that reinforcements will be necessary before the start of the 2026/27 season.

Much of the uncertainty surrounding Celtic’s attack centres on the future of Daizen Maeda. The Japanese international has been strongly linked with a move away from Parkhead in recent months, sparking fears that Celtic could soon lose one of their most influential attacking players.

Should Maeda depart, the need for a replacement would become even more urgent, particularly given the lack of consistency among the club’s other attacking options throughout the campaign.

Kelechi Iheanacho ended the season as one of Celtic’s main striking threats, but concerns remain regarding his reliability over a full campaign. Injuries and fluctuating form have hampered the Nigerian forward in recent years, preventing him from delivering consistently at the level expected by supporters.

As a result, Celtic’s recruitment team have now intensified efforts to identify a younger and more dependable long-term solution in the centre-forward position.

According to reports from TEAMtalk, the Scottish champions have accelerated their search for a striker and are now seriously exploring a move for Rodriguez.

The 21-year-old attacker only left Real Madrid in the summer of 2025 when he completed a move to Elche CF in search of regular first-team football. After struggling to break consistently into Madrid’s senior side, Rodriguez opted for a fresh challenge in La Liga, and his performances have quickly attracted attention from clubs across Europe.

Celtic are now believed to be among the teams monitoring his situation most closely as they prepare for a crucial transfer window.

Rodriguez has earned praise in Spain for his unique profile as a modern striker, with some observers even describing him as a “La Liga unicorn” because of his rare blend of physicality, technical quality and attacking intelligence.

Standing out in a struggling Elche side, the young forward managed to contribute 12 goals and assists across 34 La Liga appearances during the season. While those numbers may not appear extraordinary at first glance, they become far more impressive when placed in the context of Elche’s difficult campaign near the bottom end of the table.

Operating in a side that created relatively few opportunities, Rodriguez still managed to establish himself as one of the team’s standout attacking players. His performances demonstrated maturity beyond his years and reinforced the belief that he possesses the attributes required to succeed at a higher level.

That potential has naturally increased his market value, however, and reports suggest Elche would demand a fee in the region of £13 million before considering a sale.

For Celtic, that valuation could present a major obstacle. Although the club are capable of spending significant money when necessary, committing an eight-figure sum on a single player would represent a substantial investment even by their standards.

Whether the Scottish side are prepared to reach that figure remains uncertain, but the fact Rodriguez has emerged as a leading target indicates there is genuine admiration for the striker within Celtic’s recruitment department.

The coming months are shaping up to be hugely important for Celtic both on and off the pitch. Strengthening the squad is only one of several major issues the club must address before the new campaign begins.

Perhaps the biggest uncertainty surrounds the managerial situation. Veteran boss Martin O’Neill is expected to leave the club this summer, bringing an end to his latest spell in charge.

As things stand, Celtic have yet to confirm who will replace him, creating uncertainty around the direction the club will take heading into next season.

The appointment of a new manager could significantly influence transfer decisions, tactical planning and overall recruitment strategy. For that reason, the club are likely eager to resolve the situation quickly in order to avoid delays in the market.

A prolonged managerial search could complicate negotiations for key targets such as Rodriguez, especially when competition from other clubs is likely to intensify as the transfer window progresses.

There is also additional pressure on Celtic to strengthen after a challenging domestic campaign. While the club ultimately remained competitive, they spent much of the season chasing Heart of Midlothian in the Scottish Premiership title race.

Hearts appeared on course to claim the championship for long stretches of the season before falling short late in the campaign. Their impressive recruitment strategy and overall progress have increased expectations across Scottish football, forcing Celtic to recognise that maintaining dominance can no longer be taken for granted.

With rivals improving and competition intensifying, Celtic know they must recruit wisely this summer if they are to return stronger next season.

Adding a talented young striker such as Rodriguez would represent a statement of intent from the club. At just 21 years old, he fits the profile of a player capable of developing further while also delivering immediate impact in the first team.

His experience in Spanish football, combined with his technical ability and physical presence, makes him an intriguing option for a Celtic side seeking greater attacking consistency.

The possibility of losing Maeda only adds further urgency to the situation. Replacing a player of his energy, movement and attacking threat would not be straightforward, meaning Celtic are likely assessing multiple options as they prepare for different scenarios this summer.

Rodriguez’s versatility could make him particularly appealing in that regard. While naturally a central striker, he has also shown an ability to drift into wider areas and link play effectively, qualities that could suit the fluid attacking style Celtic often prefer.

Even so, completing a deal will be far from simple. Elche are under no immediate pressure to sell after only signing the player last year, and his rising reputation means interest from elsewhere is expected.

Celtic therefore face a delicate balancing act. They must decide whether Rodriguez is worth making one of the club’s most expensive signings in recent years while also navigating uncertainty surrounding the managerial position and other potential squad changes.

What is clear is that the summer ahead could shape the next chapter of Celtic’s future. Decisions made over recruitment, management and player sales will have a major influence on whether the club can reclaim full control domestically and compete strongly once again.

For now, Rodriguez has emerged as one of the standout names on Celtic’s shortlist, with the club seemingly determined to explore whether a deal can be achieved despite the significant financial demands involved.

As preparations for the transfer window continue, all eyes will remain on whether Celtic are willing to push forward with a major bid for the former Real Madrid youngster and bring the highly-rated “La Liga unicorn” to Glasgow.