Celtic striker hunt ramps up with seven targets identified as Kovacevic price revealed and Bamba decision looms

Celtic’s search for a new striker has intensified as the January transfer window moves past its halfway point, with supporters still waiting for a recognised centre-forward to arrive at Parkhead. Fifteen days into the window, recruitment in the key attacking position remains unresolved, despite the club making it clear that bringing in a striker is their top priority.

Martin O’Neill has openly acknowledged the need for reinforcements up front, particularly following Celtic’s recent victory over Falkirk. While Johnny Kenny has been handed opportunities and has shown promise, O’Neill believes it would be unfair to place the responsibility of leading the line on such a young player for the remainder of the campaign. Kelechi Iheanacho remains part of the squad, but the manager has stressed that additional support is essential.

Kieron Bowie, Giuesppe Ambrosino and Franko Kovacevic(Image: )

Speaking after the match, O’Neill admitted that Celtic are actively working behind the scenes to secure new arrivals. He reiterated that progress may not always be visible from the outside but insisted efforts are ongoing to strengthen the squad before the window closes.

As the club explores its options, several names have emerged as potential targets.

One of the most high-profile candidates is Croatian striker Franko Kovacevic. O’Neill has not dismissed the possibility of making a move for the 26-year-old, although it would require a significant financial commitment. Celje president Valerij Kolotilo has publicly stated that any deal would need to exceed previous record transfer fees in Slovenia. He described Kovacevic as Europe’s most in-form striker and made it clear that a bid of more than €5 million would be required for negotiations to progress.

Another experienced option on Celtic’s radar is Callum Wilson. The West Ham forward is reportedly set to terminate his contract just months after joining the club on a free transfer from Newcastle United. Despite scoring four goals in 17 appearances, Wilson’s future in London appears uncertain. Celtic have been linked with early contact, although competition is expected from Everton, where former defender Ashley Williams has publicly encouraged Wilson to consider a move if fitness permits.

Italian striker Giuseppe Ambrosino has also resurfaced as a possible target. Celtic previously attempted to sign the Napoli forward on loan last summer, but the Serie A club chose to retain him. Ambrosino had hoped to break into Antonio Conte’s plans, but those ambitions have stalled. While a loan move to Venezia with a purchase option had been reported in Italy, that deal has since been delayed, potentially reopening the door for Celtic to revisit their interest.

Mohamed Bamba of Lorient is another name under consideration. Celtic have explored the possibility of a loan deal that includes an option to buy, although the move currently appears unlikely. Bamba had been excluded from Lorient’s squad due to disciplinary reasons but has since been reintegrated and named in their matchday group, complicating any potential transfer.

Chelsea striker David Datro Fofana continues to be monitored closely by the Hoops. The 23-year-old has made it clear that he wants regular first-team football, and Celtic are believed to have reignited their interest. However, Chelsea’s stance remains uncertain, with new head coach Liam Rosenior admitting that player departures have yet to be fully assessed amid a congested schedule.

Closer to home, Celtic have also been linked with Hibernian forward Kieron Bowie. The 23-year-old has attracted attention from several clubs, including Rangers and teams in the English Football League. Hibs are said to value Bowie at around £6 million, and while interest has been acknowledged, former striker Tam McManus has questioned whether Celtic will follow up with a formal offer. Hibs boss David Gray has played down immediate concerns, suggesting the club is relaxed about Bowie’s future for now.

West Ham United’s Callum Wilson(Image: CameraSport via Getty Images)

The final name on the list is Ivory Coast international Ibrahim Diabate. Currently playing for GAIS in Sweden, Diabate has impressed after finishing as joint top scorer in the Allsvenskan and helping his side to a third-place finish. Valued at approximately £3 million, the striker is considered one of the league’s standout performers. GAIS sporting director Magnus Sköldmark has indicated the club would prefer to keep Diabate but acknowledged that a move cannot be ruled out.

With just over two weeks remaining in the window, Celtic’s striker search is clearly gathering pace. Whether the club opts for experience, youth, or a long-term project remains to be seen, but pressure is mounting to deliver a signing capable of bolstering their title challenge and easing the burden on their current attacking options.