Celtic are preparing to step up their pursuit of a highly-rated World Cup performer as they look to add fresh energy and depth to the centre of their midfield.
With the squad evolving and several key decisions still hanging in the balance, the club’s recruitment team has identified a young international who can offer both defensive steel and positional flexibility.
The timing feels significant. Talks that once felt distant are now expected to gather real momentum in the coming days, and supporters will be watching closely to see whether this long-running interest finally turns into concrete action.
The player in question is Hajduk Split midfielder Niko Sigur. At just 22 years of age, the Canadian international has already drawn the attention of clubs across Europe, yet Celtic’s interest has never truly gone away. According to reports, the club’s scouting department views him as one of the leading candidates to fill a defensive midfield role that has become increasingly important as the squad continues to change shape.
Sigur first appeared on Celtic’s radar back in January. At that stage the interest was genuine but never reached the point of serious negotiations. A deal was never close. Many assumed the trail had gone cold. That assumption now looks premature. The same name has returned to the conversation with renewed urgency, and this time the club appears ready to move beyond mere monitoring.
Chief executive Michael Nicholson is expected to take a more active role in the coming days. Sources indicate he will look to open formal discussions with Hajduk Split, signalling that Celtic’s interest has shifted from background research into active pursuit. For a club that has been careful with its transfer strategy, this represents a clear change of gear.
Any deal will not come cheaply. Hajduk are understood to want a significant seven-figure fee before they even consider letting their player leave. That valuation reflects both Sigur’s age and the growing recognition of his potential. Several clubs from Europe’s stronger leagues have also been monitoring his progress, meaning Celtic will not be operating in isolation. Speed and clarity of offer may prove decisive.
One factor that could work in Celtic’s favour is an existing personal connection. Sigur has already earned 22 caps for Canada and shares international duty with Alistair Johnston. The prospect of linking up with his national teammate in Glasgow is said to appeal to the young midfielder. That shared experience on the biggest stage carries weight.
Those who watched Canada at the World Cup will remember Sigur’s contribution. He started the Round of 16 meeting with Morocco and produced a performance that drew public praise from head coach Jesse Marsch. Marsch described him as “outstanding,” a rare public endorsement that underlined the impression he had made. For Celtic supporters, that international pedigree offers reassurance that the player has already performed under pressure.
Versatility is another quality that stands out. Although primarily viewed as a number six, Sigur can step into the number eight role when required. He has also filled in at right-back, an area where Johnston has carried a heavy workload. That ability to cover multiple positions gives Martin additional options without the need for several separate signings. In a squad that must balance domestic and European demands, such flexibility is valuable.
The midfield itself remains a clear priority. Uncertainty continues to surround Arne Engels’ future, while Reo Hatate appears to be moving towards the exit after four and a half years at the club. Those two situations alone create both opportunity and pressure. Celtic cannot afford to stand still while key pieces of the current group remain unresolved.
Progress has already been made on one front. Mika Baur is expected in Glasgow after Celtic and Paderborn reached an agreement on a transfer fee. Sky Sports has reported a base figure of £4.5 million with a further £2.3 million available in add-ons. Baur’s arrival is widely seen as clearing the path for Hatate’s departure. Yet even with that deal progressing, the need for additional midfield reinforcement has not disappeared.
Sigur would bring a different profile from the options already at the club. His ability to sit deeper, shield the defence and still contribute further forward offers a balance that many feel is currently missing. He is not simply a like-for-like replacement for any outgoing player. Instead he represents a slightly different type of midfielder – one who can adapt to the tactical demands of both the Scottish Premiership and European competition.
The fact that interest has persisted since January is telling. Celtic’s recruitment team clearly saw something worth following. What has changed is the willingness to move from observation into negotiation. Nicholson’s expected involvement suggests the club now views the opportunity as realistic rather than speculative.
There are still obstacles. Hajduk’s valuation will test Celtic’s appetite, and the presence of other interested clubs means any delay could prove costly. The player himself will also have a say, although the reported appeal of joining Johnston may help tip the balance. For Celtic, the decision is becoming clearer: either act with purpose or risk watching a long-term target move elsewhere.
Supporters will recognise the pattern. Celtic have often monitored players for months before deciding whether the timing and price are right. In this case the timing appears more favourable than it did in January. The squad needs are more obvious, the midfield is in transition, and a connection already exists through the national team. Whether those factors are enough to push the deal over the line remains to be seen.
What is clear is that the conversation has moved forward. Celtic are no longer simply keeping an eye on Niko Sigur. They are preparing to test the market, open talks, and discover exactly how serious Hajduk are about selling. For a club looking to strengthen the engine room of the team, this is a pursuit worth watching closely in the days ahead.
The coming week could bring the first formal steps. If Nicholson does make contact as expected, the temperature around this particular transfer story will rise quickly. Celtic fans have grown used to waiting for confirmation, but the combination of a World Cup-proven midfielder, an existing teammate already at the club, and clear squad needs has created a more compelling case than most. Whether it ends in a successful signing or another near miss will depend on how far the club is prepared to go once the real negotiations begin.