Millwall has entered the race alongside Bolton Wanderers to secure a transfer agreement with Celtic.

Bolton Wanderers are facing fresh competition in their efforts to sign Celtic forward Johnny Kenny on a permanent deal, with Championship rivals Millwall reportedly joining the race for the Republic of Ireland international.

After enjoying an outstanding loan spell with Bolton during the second half of last season, Kenny had appeared to be a leading target for the newly promoted side as they prepared for life back in the Championship. However, Millwall’s reported interest has added a new dimension to the transfer saga and could complicate Bolton’s hopes of bringing the striker back to the Toughsheet Community Stadium.

With Celtic believed to be open to a sale under the right circumstances, Kenny’s future is shaping up to be one of the more intriguing stories of the summer transfer window.

Johnny Kenny Played a Huge Role in Bolton’s Promotion

Bolton Wanderers enjoyed a memorable 2025-26 campaign, ending a seven-year absence from the Championship by securing promotion through the League One play-offs.

Their journey concluded in style with a convincing 4-1 victory over Stockport County in the play-off final, earning a long-awaited return to England’s second tier.

Among the players who played a crucial role in that successful promotion push was Johnny Kenny.

The striker joined Bolton on loan from Celtic during the January transfer window and made an immediate impact after arriving.

Across just 14 appearances, Kenny found the net six times, producing a series of important performances that helped Bolton maintain momentum during the closing months of the campaign.

His goals, work rate and movement quickly made him a favourite among supporters, with many hoping his stay would eventually become permanent.

Bolton Wanted a Straightforward Permanent Deal

Following promotion, Bolton identified Kenny as one of their priority transfer targets.

The club hoped to negotiate a permanent agreement with Celtic and had reportedly been optimistic that they would have a clear opportunity to complete the deal.

Given the success of his loan spell and his familiarity with the squad, a permanent transfer appeared to make perfect sense from Bolton’s perspective.

Retaining a player who had already adapted to the team’s style of play would provide continuity ahead of what promises to be a demanding Championship campaign.

However, the situation has now become considerably more complicated.

Millwall Join the Chase

According to journalist Alan Nixon, Millwall have now entered the race to sign Kenny.

The report claims that Bolton initially believed they would have little competition for the striker’s signature, but the London club’s interest has altered the picture significantly.

Millwall are also preparing for another promotion challenge after narrowly missing out on reaching the Premier League last season.

As a result, they are looking to strengthen their attacking options, and Kenny has emerged as one of the players attracting their attention.

The growing competition means Celtic could now find themselves in a stronger negotiating position should multiple clubs pursue the forward.

Celtic Open to Selling Under the Right Conditions

Reports suggest Celtic would be willing to allow Kenny to leave permanently this summer, but only if they are able to recruit an adequate replacement first.

The Scottish champions continue evaluating their own attacking options before making a final decision regarding the striker’s future.

Kenny remains under contract at Celtic Park, giving the club complete control over any potential transfer.

That contractual security means Celtic are under no pressure to accept the first offer that arrives and can instead wait for a proposal that matches their valuation.

If more than one club becomes seriously interested, a competitive bidding process could work in Celtic’s favour.

Millwall’s Promotion Ambitions Add Appeal

Millwall can offer an attractive sporting project following an impressive Championship campaign.

The club finished third in the league table and remained firmly involved in the race for automatic promotion until the closing stages of the season.

Ultimately, Ipswich Town secured one of the automatic promotion places, while Millwall’s campaign ended in disappointment after a play-off semi-final defeat to Hull City.

Hull would eventually defeat Middlesbrough in the final to earn promotion to the Premier League.

Despite that setback, Millwall remain among the strongest Championship sides and are expected to challenge near the top of the table again next season.

Their ambitions could make them an appealing destination for players seeking to compete for promotion.

Transfer Fee Could Rise Quickly

No official asking price has yet been confirmed for Kenny.

However, online valuation platform FotMob currently estimates the striker’s value at around £850,000.

That figure may ultimately prove irrelevant if competition for his signature continues to increase.

Kenny still has three years remaining on his contract with Celtic, placing the Scottish champions in a strong negotiating position.

Should both Bolton and Millwall pursue the striker seriously, the transfer fee could comfortably exceed his estimated valuation as each club attempts to outbid the other.

Celtic are unlikely to rush negotiations while interest continues growing.

Supporters Already Divided

Unsurprisingly, Kenny’s future has generated significant discussion among supporters of all three clubs.

Many Celtic fans believe the striker has earned the opportunity to establish himself permanently in the Championship after his excellent performances during the past season.

Among Bolton supporters, there is strong enthusiasm for bringing him back permanently.

Many believe the club should make every possible effort to complete the transfer, arguing that Kenny has already demonstrated exactly what he can offer within the team’s system.

Millwall supporters appear more divided.

While some welcome the prospect of signing another talented young striker, others question whether he would immediately become a regular starter or instead provide valuable depth within the squad.

Despite the growing speculation, many Bolton fans remain optimistic that Kenny will ultimately choose to return to the club where he enjoyed such a productive loan spell.

Breakthrough Season Changed Everything

The 2025-26 campaign represented a major turning point in Kenny’s career.

Not only did he play a key role in Bolton’s successful promotion campaign, but he also achieved another important milestone by making his senior international debut for the Republic of Ireland.

Having first received a call-up to the national squad earlier in the season, Kenny earned his first senior appearance during Ireland’s memorable 3-2 World Cup qualifying victory away to Hungary.

His emergence at both club and international level significantly raised his profile and ensured that more clubs began monitoring his progress.

The season transformed him from a promising young striker into a player attracting serious Championship interest.

A Journey Built Through Loan Experience

Kenny’s development has involved several loan spells since joining Celtic.

The striker began his career with hometown club Sligo Rovers before completing his move to the Scottish champions in 2022.

Since arriving at Celtic Park, he has gained valuable experience through temporary moves away from Glasgow.

His first loan took him to Queen’s Park before he enjoyed two separate spells back with Sligo Rovers.

Those experiences helped accelerate his development and prepared him for the move to Bolton during the second half of last season.

That latest loan proved to be the most successful of his career, allowing him to establish himself in English football while contributing directly to Bolton’s promotion.

A Difficult Decision Awaits

Kenny may now face an important decision regarding the next stage of his career.

Millwall arguably offer the opportunity to join a club expected to compete near the top of the Championship once again.

However, increased competition for places could reduce his chances of playing regularly.

Bolton, meanwhile, provide familiarity, confidence and a manager already aware of exactly how to maximise his strengths.

Having already settled into the dressing room and formed strong relationships with teammates, the striker knows he would likely receive significant opportunities to continue his development.

Both clubs can present convincing arguments, making the coming weeks particularly fascinating.

Whether Kenny chooses continuity at Bolton or a fresh challenge with Millwall, his outstanding breakthrough campaign has ensured he is now one of the Championship’s most sought-after young forwards as the summer transfer window continues.