Celtic Linked With Prolific Striker As They Hunt For Attacking Reinforcements
Celtic have been linked with another striker as they look to fill a couple of vacant spots up top. The Bhoys need more attacking options this summer after relying on two loan strikers last season. With the squad needing fresh firepower to challenge on multiple fronts, strengthening the forward line has become a clear priority for the club.
Kelechi Iheanacho was also signed on a free transfer mid-way through the season, and Celtic are yet to decide on whether they want to keep the experienced frontman. That will be a call for Martin O’Neill to make before the end of this month. The Nigerian international brought valuable know-how and occasional moments of quality, but questions remain about whether he fits into the long-term plans under the manager.
In the meantime, the search goes on for another striker or two, and a fresh name has been linked. Celtic’s recruitment team appears to be casting a wide net, exploring both established names and cost-effective options that could offer strong value in the current market.
Duran Linked With Parkhead Switch
According to David Friel of The Sun, Qarabag striker Camilo Duran is of interest to the Hoops. The 24-year-old impressed during his first season with Qarabag, scoring 15 and providing 10 assists in 48 appearances across all competitions. This represents a highly productive debut campaign in a new league and environment, showcasing his ability to contribute both goals and creative output on a regular basis.
Qarabag paid around 200,000 euros for Duran, but they would want much more if they are to sell just one year into the three-year deal. The report claims Celtic would have to pay around £2 million to wrap up a deal. This figure reflects the Azerbaijani club’s desire to make a healthy profit on their initial investment while acknowledging that Duran still has significant potential for further growth.
But that is an affordable fee for the Bhoys, especially in a summer that could see them land £25 million from the Arne Engels exit alone, while Daizen Maeda will likely bring in a fair chunk of cash. These potential outgoing transfers would provide Celtic with substantial funds to reinvest wisely, allowing them to target multiple areas of the squad without breaking the bank on any single signing. In a transfer market where proven attackers often command much higher fees, a £2 million deal stands out as particularly appealing.
The Colombian is a former under-20s international, but he is yet to break into his national team’s senior side. What will attract Celtic is that Duran scored five Champions League goals, and if the Bhoys have ambitions of reaching UEFA’s premier competition, which they do, then they are going to need players with a proven ability to succeed in the competition. Those five goals in Europe’s top club tournament highlight his capability to perform on the biggest stages, something that could prove invaluable if Celtic secure qualification and face stronger opposition.
Celtic have plenty of areas they need to improve this summer, and the striker position is likely the biggest area of need, given O’Neill likely needs another two frontmen even if he keeps Iheanacho. Depth in attack is crucial not just for domestic dominance but also for rotating players across league, cup, and European fixtures to avoid fatigue and injuries over a long campaign.
And while Iheanacho can provide goals, he is not a goalscorer by nature, while Duran does look to have a real eye for goal. The younger Colombian appears more naturally inclined to find the back of the net consistently, offering a different profile that could complement or compete with existing options in the squad. His movement, finishing, and ability to link play could add a new dimension to Celtic’s attacking play.
The £2 million asking price will actually be an attractive fee for the Hoops, given how much recruitment they need to do. Champions League experience is hard to find at £2 million, and it would be wise for the Hoops to take advantage of such deals. In modern football, securing players with exposure to high-level European competition at such a modest cost represents excellent business and could pay dividends both on the pitch and in terms of squad development.
The big question will be whether the Colombian wants to swap Azerbaijan for Scotland this summer having only arrived last year. Adapting to a new league, culture, and climate is never straightforward, and Duran would need to weigh the opportunities at Celtic — including regular football, the chance to compete for trophies, and potential European exposure — against staying at Qarabag where he has already begun to establish himself.
Overall, this link fits into Celtic’s strategy of smart, value-driven recruitment. If the deal progresses, Duran could become an exciting addition capable of making an immediate impact. Fans will be watching closely to see if this interest turns into something more concrete as the transfer window heats up. With the club’s ambitions clear, landing a young, goal-threatening striker at this price point would be seen as a positive step forward in building a more competitive squad.