Celtic make long-awaited striker move with loan-to-buy offer

Celtic have finally stepped up their January transfer business by tabling an offer for a striker, marking a potentially significant breakthrough in their search for attacking reinforcements.

After weeks of speculation and frustration among supporters, reports suggest the Hoops have submitted a formal proposal to secure a new forward, something interim boss Martin O’Neill has openly acknowledged as a priority. O’Neill has repeatedly stressed his desire to strengthen the squad before Celtic’s upcoming league trip to Tynecastle, where they face Hearts in what is shaping up to be a crucial fixture in the title race, especially with several key Hearts players expected to be unavailable.

According to reports emerging from France, Celtic have made a move for 24-year-old Ivorian striker Mohamed Bamba, who is currently plying his trade in Ligue 1. The offer is understood to be a loan deal with an option to buy at the end of the season, a structure Celtic have favoured throughout this transfer window as they look to balance ambition with financial caution.

Should negotiations progress smoothly, there is optimism that Bamba could arrive in Glasgow before the trip to Edinburgh. That would allow him to integrate into the squad, take part in training, and begin adapting to Celtic’s demands ahead of a run of important domestic fixtures.

Soccer Football – Ligue 1 – FC Lorient v AS Monaco – Stade du Moustoir, Lorient, France – September 27, 2025 FC Lorient’s Mohamed Bamba celebrates scoring their first goal with teammates REUTERS/Stephane Mahe

Soccer Football – Ligue 1 – FC Lorient v AS Monaco – Stade du Moustoir, Lorient, France – September 27, 2025 FC Lorient’s Mohamed Bamba celebrates scoring their first goal with teammates REUTERS/Stephane Mahe

Soccer Football – Ligue 1 – FC Lorient v AS Monaco – Stade du Moustoir, Lorient, France – September 27, 2025 FC Lorient’s Mohamed Bamba celebrates scoring their first goal with teammates REUTERS/Stephane Mahe

However, even if the deal is finalised in the coming days, the striker would not be eligible to feature in European competition this month. UEFA registration deadlines mean that both Bamba and recent signing Julian Araujo would be unable to take part in Celtic’s Europa League matches for the remainder of the current round. Any European involvement would only be possible in a later stage, should Celtic progress.

Bamba’s current season in France has been relatively subdued. He has found the net just once in 16 Ligue 1 appearances, a return that underlines why his club may be open to a temporary move. Despite those numbers, Celtic appear to believe the forward has untapped potential and could benefit from a change of environment and more consistent opportunities.

French outlet Sport.fr reports that the loan-with-option-to-buy model appealed to Celtic’s recruitment team, as it allows the club to assess the player in Scottish football before committing to a permanent transfer. This approach also reduces risk, particularly when signing a player whose recent goal return has been modest.

For Celtic, the urgency is clear. With domestic and European commitments stacking up, additional firepower is needed to provide competition, depth, and alternative options in attack. The lack of goals from certain areas has been a concern, and O’Neill is keen to address that quickly.

As the Hearts match looms large, Celtic will be hoping any new arrival can settle swiftly and begin contributing sooner rather than later. Strengthening the forward line could prove decisive as the Hoops look to sustain their title push and remain competitive across multiple fronts during a demanding second half of the season.

Celtic poised for transfer showdown with French giants over £12m striker

Celtic are reportedly preparing for a potential transfer tussle with French heavyweights Lyon over the signature of Wolfsburg striker Jonas Wind, a player who has been on the Scottish club’s radar for several years.

The Denmark international is currently sidelined after undergoing surgery on a thigh problem, but he is expected to return to action before the end of the month. Despite his injury setback and an underwhelming campaign so far, Wind’s situation has attracted fresh interest because he is entering the final months of his contract with the Bundesliga side.

With his deal due to expire in the summer, Wolfsburg could be open to selling the 26-year-old now rather than risk losing him for nothing. That scenario has reportedly alerted both Celtic and Lyon, who are said to be considering a January move instead of waiting until the end of the season to negotiate a free transfer.

Celtic’s interest in Wind is not new. The Hoops were first linked with the striker around four years ago during his time at FC Copenhagen, when he was establishing himself as one of the most promising forwards in Scandinavian football. A move to Glasgow never materialised at that stage, and Wind instead secured a big-money switch to Wolfsburg, who paid around £12 million to bring him to Germany.

Since arriving in the Bundesliga, Wind has produced a respectable return in front of goal. He has found the net 31 times across 84 league starts, showing an ability to adapt to the demands of one of Europe’s top divisions. Those numbers underline why he has continued to be monitored by clubs outside Germany, even during a season that has not gone to plan for either the player or his team.

This campaign, however, has been a difficult one for the Danish forward. Injuries and form issues have limited his impact, and he has yet to score in eight league appearances. Wolfsburg have struggled when he has featured, losing six of those matches, which has only added to speculation that a parting of ways could suit all parties.

Despite his recent struggles, Wind’s pedigree remains clear. He is a full Denmark international with 37 caps to his name and has scored eight goals for his country. His experience at both club and international level makes him an appealing option for teams looking to add proven quality to their attacking ranks.

Wind’s profile could be particularly attractive to Celtic as they continue to assess ways of strengthening their forward line. The prospect of signing a striker with Bundesliga experience for a reduced fee is likely to appeal to the Parkhead hierarchy, especially given the club’s long-standing admiration for the player.

However, Celtic may not have a clear run at the deal. Reports from Germany suggest Lyon are also keen, setting the stage for a possible battle between the Scottish champions and the French giants. Lyon’s interest could complicate matters, both financially and competitively, given their stature and resources within European football.

Adding a curious footnote to Wind’s career is his connection to Scotland. He was an unused substitute when Denmark faced Scotland in their famous World Cup qualifying defeat at Hampden in November, a match that remains memorable for Scottish supporters.

As Wind works his way back to full fitness, the coming weeks could prove decisive. With his contract ticking down and interest growing, Wolfsburg may soon have to decide whether to cash in during the current window. For Celtic, it could represent another opportunity to finally land a player they have admired for years, though they may have to overcome stiff competition to do so.

O’Neill steps in to halt Celtic player’s departure after near-move collapse

Martin O’Neill has made it clear that Hyun-jun Yang is not going anywhere during the January transfer window, with the Celtic manager determined to keep hold of one of his most in-form players. After a prolonged period of uncertainty surrounding his future, Yang has finally cemented his place at Parkhead, and his resurgence has convinced O’Neill that the winger is far too important to lose midway through the season.

Now in his third campaign with Celtic, Yang is enjoying the most productive spell of his time in Glasgow. While his early years at the club were marked by inconsistency and limited opportunities, the 23-year-old has stepped up significantly in recent weeks. His improved performances have not only earned him a regular place in the starting XI but have also reshaped perceptions of his long-term value to the squad.

Yang has found the net three times in his last five appearances, a return that underlines his growing influence in the final third. Those contributions have come at a critical time for Celtic, who are fighting to stay in touch with Hearts at the top of the Premiership table. With the margins so fine in the title race, O’Neill has little appetite for weakening his squad, particularly by allowing an in-form attacker to depart.

The winger’s current standing represents a dramatic turnaround from where he was only a few months ago. Last summer, Yang was widely expected to leave Celtic after making just nine league starts during the 2024–25 campaign. His role under previous management had been sporadic, and interest from the Championship suggested that a permanent exit was a genuine possibility.

Birmingham City, in particular, were confident they would secure Yang’s signature for a fee in the region of £3 million. Negotiations progressed deep into the summer window, and at one stage, the move appeared all but complete. However, Celtic ultimately pulled the plug late on deadline day, largely because they failed to recruit a replacement before the window closed. That decision, though controversial at the time, has since been vindicated.

Yang’s fortunes began to change soon after. He fought his way back into contention under Wilfried Nancy and has taken his game to another level since Martin O’Neill’s return. The veteran manager has shown faith in the South Korean winger, deploying him consistently in his preferred right-wing role rather than the more restrictive right wing-back position he had previously occupied.

That positional clarity has made a noticeable difference. Freed to focus on attacking responsibilities, Yang has looked sharper, more confident, and far more decisive in the final third. His movement off the ball, willingness to take on defenders, and improved end product have all stood out during his recent run in the team.

Speaking on Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, it was revealed that any talk of Yang leaving in January is firmly off the table. Despite renewed interest from Birmingham City earlier this winter, Celtic have no intention of reopening discussions. O’Neill views Yang as one of the first names on the team sheet and believes his contribution will be vital during the second half of the season.

It was explained that Yang’s near-departure last summer was largely circumstantial. Celtic’s failure to complete incoming business meant they could not afford to sanction his exit, even though Birmingham were convinced they had secured an agreement. Since then, Yang has repaid the club’s decision to retain him by proving his worth on the pitch.

Under O’Neill, Yang has been entrusted with greater responsibility, and his performances have reflected that trust. His goal in the recent win over Dundee United further strengthened his case, reinforcing the sense that he has finally found his rhythm in Scottish football.

Crucially, Celtic’s current squad depth also plays a major role in O’Neill’s thinking. Injuries and underwhelming form in other attacking areas have left the Hoops short of reliable options, making Yang’s availability even more valuable. Allowing him to leave would significantly weaken the squad at a time when every point matters.

There is also a broader context to consider. Yang struggled to make an impression under Brendan Rodgers and appeared destined for the fringes of the squad. However, his revival under O’Neill suggests that his best football may still lie ahead. The manager is keen to harness that momentum rather than disrupt it with a mid-season transfer.

As a result, Celtic are not expected to entertain any offers for Yang during the current window. Instead, O’Neill plans to rely on him as a key component of the team’s push in the latter stages of the campaign, viewing him as an asset rather than a surplus player.

Meanwhile, speculation surrounding a potential reunion between Yang and Kyogo Furuhashi has also been addressed. The pair previously played together at Celtic before Kyogo’s departure last January, and rumours suggested they could link up again either at Parkhead or St Andrew’s.

Kyogo joined Birmingham City from Rennes in the summer but has endured a difficult spell in the Championship. The Japanese striker has yet to register a goal or assist in 23 appearances, raising questions about his future. Despite reports linking him with a return to Celtic, sources indicate that Birmingham have no intention of letting him leave this month.

Celtic, for their part, are looking elsewhere to strengthen their attacking options. With the club keen to add firepower to support their title challenge, attention has reportedly turned to Chelsea forward David Datro Fofana. The Hoops are believed to be monitoring his situation closely ahead of a potential permanent move.

In summary, Hyun-jun Yang’s journey at Celtic has reached a pivotal moment. From being on the brink of departure to becoming a central figure under Martin O’Neill, his transformation has been one of the more compelling narratives of the season. With his confidence high and his performances improving, Celtic see no reason to break up that progress.

For now, Yang remains firmly part of O’Neill’s plans, and any club hoping to prise him away will have to wait. Celtic’s focus is clear: keep their key players, strengthen where possible, and push relentlessly in the race for silverware.

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.