Celtic are actively tracking a promising new winger as they look to seriously ramp up their summer transfer business amid growing pressure to strengthen the squad.
Manager Martin O’Neill is fully aware that significant work needs to be completed before the transfer deadline, particularly with several expected first-team exits on the horizon. Despite the clear need for reinforcements, progress has been slower than many supporters would have hoped, with only limited movement in the incoming department up to this point.
According to reports from TeamTalk, Celtic are now fully expecting to close some important deals in the very near future. One name that has emerged strongly in recent days is Utrecht winger Adian Blake, who is understood to be a concrete target for the Scottish champions.
The Bhoys have reportedly reached out to the Dutch club to inquire about the conditions for a potential transfer. They have been informed that a fee of around £2.5 million would be enough to get the deal over the line, largely due to the fact that Blake has just one year remaining on his current contract at Utrecht. This represents a very affordable and attractive proposition for Celtic, who are in a strong financial position this summer thanks to incoming funds from player sales and their continued participation in European competitions.
This pursuit of Adian Blake runs alongside Celtic’s interest in another young winger, Real Oviedo’s Haissem Hassan. With the depth of attacking options needing attention, it is entirely possible that the Hoops could move for both players in the coming weeks to adequately address their requirements in forward areas.
Squad Needs and Key Departures
The need for new wingers has become particularly pressing because key creative talents Daizen Maeda and Reo Hatate are both widely expected to depart Celtic this summer. Their potential exits would result in a significant loss of creativity, pace, and attacking flair that has been vital to the team’s success in recent seasons. Replacing that output will be a priority for O’Neill as he looks to maintain the club’s domestic dominance while also preparing for the challenges of European football.
Who is Adian Blake?
Adian Blake himself brings an intriguing profile to the table. The 21-year-old is a former England Under-19 international who has already gained valuable senior experience. After leaving Watford at the under-18 level, he made the move to Utrecht where he has steadily developed into a reliable performer.
To date, Blake has made 45 appearances in the Eredivisie, during which he has scored six goals and provided five assists. These are solid numbers for a young player still finding his feet at the top level of Dutch football.
In addition to his domestic contributions, Blake has also featured in European competition. He has made seven appearances in the Europa League, scoring once in that competition. This European experience is likely to be viewed as a major asset by Celtic’s coaching staff, especially as the club prepares for their crucial Champions League qualifying matches next month.
Tactical Fit and Versatility
Tactically, Blake offers excellent versatility that will appeal to Martin O’Neill. He primarily operates on the left wing but is equally capable of playing on the right side. This flexibility is a significant bonus in modern football, where squad depth and positional adaptability are key.
While Celtic already possess a reasonable number of options on the left side of attack, they are noticeably thinner on the right, where only experienced campaigner James Forrest and South Korean forward Hyun-Jun Yang are currently seen as natural out-and-out wingers. Other players can fill in when required, but dedicated reinforcements are clearly desired.
At just £2.5 million, signing Adian Blake would represent smart business and excellent value for money. The young Englishman has the potential to develop further under O’Neill’s guidance and could quickly become an important squad member.
What’s Next for Celtic?
Given Celtic’s financial resources this summer — boosted by likely outgoing transfers — investing in two wingers like Blake and possibly Hassan would be a logical step to refresh the attacking line. O’Neill is understood to be keen on adding at least a couple of new wide players before the window closes.
With Maeda potentially heading for the exit, bringing in youthful, hungry talent with proven European exposure makes perfect sense. Blake’s combination of relative affordability, versatility, and growing experience positions him as a wise, low-risk addition who could offer high rewards in the seasons ahead.
As the summer transfer window enters its more active phase in mid-July 2026, Celtic supporters will be hoping that the interest in Adian Blake and others translates into concrete signings soon. Strengthening the attacking department is essential if the Bhoys are to mount another strong challenge on all fronts and navigate the demanding Champions League qualifiers successfully.
The coming days and weeks could prove decisive in determining how Martin O’Neill reshapes his squad for the campaign ahead.