Concern raised over Callum Wilson switch to Celtic with Kieron Bowie deal on hold

Celtic are running out of time as they intensify their search for a proven goalscorer they believe can provide the cutting edge needed to push them toward a historic five-in-a-row title success. With less than three weeks remaining in the transfer window, recruitment plans are beginning to take shape, but not without complications.

One of the names repeatedly linked with a move to Parkhead is West Ham forward Callum Wilson. The experienced striker has fallen out of favour at the London Stadium and is expected to become a free agent in the coming days, with his contract set to be terminated by mutual consent as the Hammers battle relegation. That situation has placed several clubs on alert, Celtic among them.

At 33, Wilson boasts an impressive résumé from his time in English football. He has consistently found the net during spells with Coventry City, Bournemouth and Newcastle United, earning England caps along the way. His pedigree as a natural finisher is not in doubt, and his availability on a free transfer makes him an attractive option on paper.

Callum Wilson has been heavily linked with Celtic(Image: CameraSport via Getty Images)

However, whether Wilson would be willing to make the move north remains uncertain. Interest from elsewhere in England is expected, with financially stronger offers likely to emerge once his West Ham exit is finalised. Celtic manager Martin O’Neill may admire the striker’s experience and goalscoring instinct, but competition for his signature could be fierce.

Former Celtic winger Simon Donnelly believes Wilson would instantly raise the quality of the Hoops’ attacking options, which have struggled for consistency this season. Still, he has also highlighted a significant concern that could give the club pause for thought.

Speaking on Clyde 1 Superscoreboard, Donnelly admitted that while Wilson’s ability is unquestionable, his recent fitness record raises red flags. He pointed out that Celtic have already endured similar frustrations with players who have shown promise but failed to stay available long enough to make a sustained impact.

Donnelly referenced Kelechi Iheanacho as an example, suggesting that while the Nigerian has looked sharp when fit, recurring hamstring issues have limited his contribution. In Donnelly’s view, Wilson carries a similar risk profile, having struggled with injuries in recent seasons. That history, he believes, could ultimately outweigh the potential benefits of signing such a high-profile forward.

Alongside Wilson, Celtic are also keeping a close eye on Hibernian striker Kieron Bowie. The 23-year-old has emerged as one of the most exciting young attackers in the Scottish Premiership and is firmly on the radar of both Celtic and Rangers, as well as several other interested clubs.

Bowie has been instrumental for Hibs this season, and head coach David Gray is understandably reluctant to part with his leading goalscorer midway through a campaign in which the Edinburgh club are pushing for a top-four finish and possibly more. Hibs are believed to have placed a valuation of over £6 million on the Scotland international, a figure that reflects both his importance to the team and his long-term potential.

Former Hibs striker Tam McManus, however, doubts that any club will be able to prise Bowie away during the January window. In his view, Hibernian are more likely to hold firm until the summer, when they would be in a stronger negotiating position.

McManus suggested that while Celtic’s interest is genuine, it may amount to little more than monitoring the situation for now. He questioned whether any club would be prepared to submit a serious bid at this stage, especially given Hibs’ ambitions for the remainder of the season. According to McManus, a summer move appears far more realistic for Bowie.

He was full of praise for the young striker, describing him as one of the standout Scottish talents currently playing in the league. McManus believes Bowie has the attributes to improve both Celtic and Rangers immediately and has little doubt about his long-term prospects at the top level.

For Celtic, the situation highlights the balancing act they face in the transfer market. Wilson represents a short-term solution with proven experience but carries fitness risks, while Bowie is viewed as a long-term investment who may simply be unavailable until the end of the campaign.

Hibs striker Kieron Bowie(Image: SNS Group)

As the clock ticks down on the January window, the Hoops must decide whether to gamble on an experienced free agent, wait patiently for a younger target, or explore alternative options entirely. What is clear is that reinforcements are needed if Celtic are to maintain their title momentum and strengthen their push for another dominant season.

With expectations high and margins for error shrinking, the coming weeks could prove decisive in shaping not only Celtic’s attack but also the outcome of the Premiership race itself.