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Celtic linked winger Elijah Just enjoyed a dream start to life at Swansea City by finding the net on his debut during the club’s pre-season preparations.

The New Zealand international, who completed his move to the Championship side for a Motherwell record sale has wasted little time making an impression as he marked his first appearance with a goal. Just scored Swansea’s second in a 2-0 win over Italian side Udinese in Austria.

Many Celtic fans were keen for the club to sign Elijah Just after a fantastic debut season for The Steelmen last season. Whether or not the club made an official offer is unclear as he swaps Scottish football for the English Championship.

Just follows familiar names in joining Swansea from Scottish football recently. Darren O’Dea left Celtic to join as assistant manager and was followed to the club by Adam Idah. Elijah Just will join ex Motherwell teammate Stephen Welsh who has also signed for the Welsh club this summer.

What do you think? Is Just one Celtic missed out on this summer?

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Money at Celtic has become a strange paradox: the club is richer than ever, yet too often weaker on the pitch. Supporters hear constant talk of “financial stability,” “record revenues,” and “healthy reserves,” but none of that matters if the team is not progressing. So, the real question, the one fans are entitled to ask loudly, is simple: what is the money actually for?

If Celtic are true to their identity, the answer should be obvious. The money exists to build a stronger squad, improve the experience for supporters, and advance the club’s values in a modern football landscape. Everything else is secondary. Shareholders, directors, executives are not the purpose of Celtic’s wealth. They are custodians, not beneficiaries.

Yet the club’s behaviour in recent years suggests a drift away from that principle. Celtic have allowed tens of millions to pile up in the bank while the squad has been padded with players who are clearly not good enough. Too many signings arrive without the quality required, contribute little, and are quietly sold at a loss. This is not bad luck. It is bad judgement. And judgement requires accountability.

Football is not an industry where hoarding cash wins trophies. Standing still is falling behind. Celtic cannot afford to treat financial reserves as a comfort blanket while others invest aggressively across Europe. Money is a tool and tools are meant to be used. When Celtic sit on large sums without meaningful improvement on the pitch, it becomes a problem, not a strength.

The club must spend, but spend wisely. That means building a core squad of genuine quality, not a revolving door of projects who never develop. It means adding one or two top tier players each window, not scrambling to replace half a team because previous recruitment failed. Crucially, it means keeping our best players long enough to build something, instead of selling them the moment a profit appears.

Celtic’s recruitment structure must be modern, accountable, and aligned with the manager’s needs. If players are being signed who don’t fit the system, don’t improve the team, or don’t meet the required standard, then someone must answer for that. Supporters deserve transparency. They deserve competence. They deserve ambition.

Because fans don’t celebrate bank balances. They celebrate football and trophies. They celebrate nights where Celtic compete, challenge, and inspire. They invest emotionally and financially in the club, and they have every right to demand that the club invests back.

Celtic’s financial strength is an opportunity but only if it is used. The club must be solvent, yes, but not stagnant. It must be responsible, but not timid. The money must serve the football, not the other way around.

If Celtic want to reach the next level, the path is clear: spend wisely, recruit intelligently, keep quality, and hold decision makers accountable. Anything less is settling. And Celtic should never settle for less.

B

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Celtic are reportedly negotiating a deal for Croatian goalkeeper Dinko Horkas according to LA Provincia. This comes after an unnamed Saudi club declared their interest in signing the player from Las Palmas. Celtic were supposedly weighing up their options before becoming aware of the interest from Saudi and have since decided to make their move. The Scottish champions are now negotiating directly with the former La Liga side to try and reach a deal that suits all parties.

Source LA Provincia

Update: Since this article was written the Daily Record have indicated that Celtic are no longer interested in Dinko Horkas. We’ll need to see what happens now as there are major outlets with conflicting reports.

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A Celtic supporter got more than he bargained for while getting a haircut in Thailand after spotting what he believes is a familiar face on the wall of a Bangkok barbershop.

While waiting for his haircut in a small barber shop tucked away in the Thai capital, the fan looked up at a poster displaying different hairstyle options for customers.

One image immediately caught his attention.

The man featured as style number 11 bore a striking resemblance to former Celtic favourite Patrick Roberts.

None of the other images looked familiar apart from Roberts, who became a fan favourite during his two season loan spell at Celtic.

Speaking exclusively to Celtic DNA, the fan explained his shock.

“I was in Asia on holiday last year and went into a small barbershop in a car park in Bangkok. While I was waiting, I looked up at the hairstyle poster and thought that’s strange.

It looked exactly like Paddy Roberts to me, but I was over 6,000 miles from Glasgow and the last thing I expected to see was a former Celtic player modelling a hairstyle in a small Bangkok Barber Shop.

I took a photo because I knew nobody would believe me. If it’s not Paddy, then it’s one of the best lookalikes I’ve ever seen. I guess whoever made the poster could have lifted his image from somewhere”

The image certainly bears a remarkable resemblance to the former winger, although it hasn’t been confirmed whether it is actually Roberts or simply someone who looks incredibly similar.

What do you think? Is it the former Celtic Winger?

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Celtic’s move for German midfielder Mika Baur has reportedly stalled over a 300k difference in valuation between the two clubs. Sky Sports in Germany are reporting that Paderborn are looking for a fee of around £4.3 million while Celtic are currently offering £4 million. The player has already agreed personal terms and wants the move, however the German club are stating that their valuation has to met or they will keep Baur for the season ahead and let him leave for free next summer instead. It’s now up to Celtic to decide whether they want to match the asking price or move on to other targets.

Tim Lisbon’s Thoughts

It’s my opinion that Paderborn has no intention of losing the player for free next summer. This is a negotiating tactic to bring Celtic or others towards the asking price they desire. With it being such a small difference you would think this deal would still get done. Unless another club comes in at the 11th hour and pays more than Celtic are willing to. Paderborn are showing Celtic how to properly negotiate a fee for their player despite having only 12 months left on their deal. The Celtic management could learn from this after coming out on the wrong side of the Maeda negotiations recently. The club needs to hold out for proper value of its assets whether they have 12 months left or not.

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With Celtic once again making a move for Bodø/Glimt striker Kasper Høgh, Irish striker Johnny Kenny is being linked to both Bolton Wanderers and Millwall in the English Championship.

The Republic of Ireland international returned to Celtic this summer after a successful spell on loan at Bolton Wanderers where he scored 6 goals in 14 games. Kenny previously talked about using the loan to return to Celtic Park a better player. However, it now looks like the club are considering letting him move on, either on another loan or a permanent transfer.

Despite signing a new four year deal last summer, the former Shamrock Rovers striker may find his opportunities limited again next season if Celtic do secure the signing of Kasper Høgh.

Tim Lisbon

Should Celtic sanction another loan or cash in this summer? At 23 years old he’s at a stage where he’ll want to play more games for his development. Another spell in the Championship would arguably be good for his development and offer valuable experience against physically demanding opposition. Much will depend on Martin O’Neills assessment during pre-season. Does he want Kenny as part of his front line this season even if Kasper Høgh is secured as a Celtic player? Or will the club cash in and move on. We’ll need to see in the coming weeks.

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Celtic’s reported interest in Bodø/Glimt striker Kasper Høgh is nothing new. The Danish forward was apparently subject to bids from both Celtic and Norwich City during the January transfer window. While Celtic explored a deal for a fee in the region of £5million, Norwich reportedly offered a package of £6.9 million to bring the striker to Carrow Road.

Bodø/Glimt had little intention of selling one of their most important players during such a crucial time of the season. The player also wanted to stay for the challenges that lay ahead. The former league winners were still competing in the latter stages of the Champions League and viewed Høgh as a key part of their ambitions in the tournament. Rather than cashing in, Bodø/Glimt kept the then 24-year-old, who had scored the winner against Atletico Madrid to secure knockout European football for his club.

Since January, Høgh has continued to impress. His goalscoring record for Bodø/Glimt is roughly 1 in 2 and he’s proved he can score both domestically and in Europe. It’s now reported that Celtic are keen to wrap up a deal for the Danish forward ahead of the crucial Champions League qualifier. However it’s been suggested it would take a significant package upwards of the £7 million Norwich were going to pay in January. It’s also to be seen if any other suitors return to the table while Celtic try to finalise an agreement.

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Various reports are suggesting that Premier League club Ipswich will sign Daizen Maeda for a guaranteed £8 million with a further £2 million in potential add ons. The potential fee has sparked considerable debate among Celtic supporters. If the figure is indeed accurate, then Celtic’s response should be simple: no deal.

As Celtic supporters we are all aware of the qualities Maeda brings to the table. His relentless work rate will be virtually impossible to replace, but also his goals, assists and match-winning performances will be a big miss. I think every fan is resigned to losing Daizen this summer, yet the club should do everything it can to negotiate a proper deal to allow the Japanese winger to move on. Let’s look at the facts, Daizen is one of the very best pressers in world football. His closing down and workmate is relentless and he’s also added goals and assists to his game. Albeit he didn’t have a strong season at all until the final seven games or so. He has also represented his country and scored at two consecutive world cups. How many Ipswich players have done that? He is worth considerably more to us than £8 million that’s for sure. Chris Sutton is right, this is simply a bad deal for Celtic.

Daizen’s age is not our problem

I’ve heard various commentators mention his age as a reason for him being sold for less than the likes of Ajer and Edouard who also had twelve months left on their deal. Daizen’s age is the buying clubs problem, not Celtic’s. All we know is he is worth more than £8 million to us and there are meant to be several English Premier League clubs interested in striking a deal for the forward.

You’ve also got to take in the cultural impact Dazien brings to the club. Do we benefit from the support and interest from Japan. Ipswich get that for £8million as well? The more you look at it the deal the more it looks like a disaster. The club continues to undersell itself when clubs in Scotland are asking for record fees for their assets. They’ve done strong business before but this looks like a saga the club wants to move on from quick.

On this occasion, Celtic seem to have got it wrong. Maybe they are influenced by them messing him around last summer but that shouldn’t stop the powers that be from doing their job and maximising their asset potential. I refuse to believe that has been done on this occasion.

£8 Million is nothing for Premier League Teams

If Premier League clubs genuinely believe he is good enough to improve their squads, then they should expect to pay accordingly. They consistently pay ridiculous amounts for players all the time but the hard reality is they see Scottish football as a soft touch and no wonder. We are doing nothing to change their opinion.

Maeda has been a great player for Celtic and I wish him the best down in England. If he does leave in the next few days it should only be for a fee that reflects both his importance to the team and the difficulty of replacing him. Most fans would probably accept a fee of £15 million with add ons with his current contract situation.

For £8 million, Celtic shouldn’t even be starting negotiations.

Tim Lisbon

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Former Celtic target Calvin Stengs has been released early from his Feyenoord contract and is now a free agent after an injury hit period at the Eredivisie runners up. Celtic were reportedly looking into a deal for the midfielder last summer but he instead went out on loan to Italian side Pisa where he only managed a handful of games. Now the 27 year old Dutchman has reportedly agreed to a mutual termination and will now look elsewhere for his football ahead of the new season.

Source Glasgow Times

Opinion

The club may look at Stengs again since he is now available on a free transfer after previously considering a reported £5 million bid last summer. However, he didn’t play many games for Feyenoord or Pisa due to injury so the club are likely to be put of a move for the midfielder on that basis. It will be interesting to see where he ends up and whether he can stay fit this season but I don’t expect Celtic to make a move unless there are signs he is over his injury troubles.

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The I paper are claiming that West Ham are interested in a move for Reo Hatate this window. Since being relegated, the Hammers are reported to be operating a buy low sell high policy this summer after already banking fees in the range of £140m million. It’s being reported that they are considering a move for the Japanese midfielder who has made it clear he wishes to leave the club this season.

Source The I Paper

Opinion

West Ham’s interest in Reo Hatate is interesting for a few reasons. Seems they have identified him as an option to improve creativity in their bid to return back to the premier league at the first time of asking. No doubt West Ham will see an opportunity to purchase Hatate for a cut price deal. Especially considering his recent form and desire to leave the football club. There is no doubt that a move may give Reo a new lease of life. Celtic must hold firm for a decent fee for the midfielder and move on with the rebuild needed.

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Celtic’s Canadian fullback has been linked with several English Premier League clubs including Everton and Fulham. So what is Celtic’s stance on selling the former Montreal right back this window?

The club are expecting interest after a strong World Cup, however the Daily Record are claiming that Celtic are not looking to sell Johnston this summer so it would take a strong offer to bring the club to the table. With three years left on his deal the club will be relatively relaxed as they know they are in a strong position.

Source Daily Record

Opinion

Keeping Johnston this summer looks difficult with the interest from down south. Maybe he would expect new terms and fresh deal despite having three years left on his current one. He should be made one of the top earners at the club and considered for the captaincy after Callum leaves the club. A consistent quality player who would be a big miss to Celtic should he indeed leave the club this summer.

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Celtic have been credited with interest in another left back after the news broke yesterday that they had spoken to AEK Athens about former Hearts defender James Penrice. This time Alan Temple from The Courier claims the hoops are considering a move for Dundee Utd’s Will Ferry. After a strong season for Utd last time out Ferry has been the subject of transfer interest in Europe the last few weeks. Now it appears Celtic are considering the Dundee Utd man as an option for the left back vacancy at Parkhead since a deal with Marcelo Saracchi failed to materialise.

Source The Courier

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For several years Celtic have said they have been looking into how a ticket exchange scheme would work at the club after supporters raised concerns regarding a lack of tickets despite empty seats at certain fixtures.

CEO Michael Nicholson gave a direct update on this when he was questioned at the AICSC meeting for 2026 recently. Leeside CSC asked whether there were any plans to go digital for season tickets, meaning you could keep your ticket on your phone and share easily with others when needed. Nicholson confirmed there were no immediate plans for such a shift after they reviewed several clubs operating digital ticket systems. His full answer is below.

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Celtic Catchup - Latest Club News

Today’s biggest Celtic news, in brief.

⸻

1. Celtic and Ipswich agree Maeda fee

Celtic have accepted an offer of £8 million plus £2 million worth of add ons for Daizen Maeda from Ipswich Town.

Source: Daily Record

⸻

2. Celtic agree fee for Germany u21 midfielder

Celtic have agreed personal terms with German u21 midfielder Mika Baur. The club are looking to complete a £4 million pound deal for the Paderborn midfielder according to Fabrizio Romano

Source: Daily Record

⸻

3. Enquiry made for left back

Celtic have reportedly made an enquiry for former Hearts defender James Penrice who currently plays for AEK Athens in Greece.

Source: Mark Hendry X

⸻

4. Former Celt joins LA Galaxy

Kyogo Furahashi has joined MLS side LA Galaxy on a permanent deal from Birmingham City. The Japanese forward had been reported as interested in a return to Celtic this summer.

Source: LA Galaxy X

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Fabrizio Romano claims Celtic have agreed personal terms with German u21 international Mika Baur. Baur plays for SC Paderborn in Bundeliga 2 and is a versatile centre mid. Primarily an attacking midfielder, he can also play centre mid or a deep lying playmaker. He is believed to have the same agent that concluded the Nicholas Kuhn deal so Celtic have previous dealings with him. Romano states that clubs are now continuing talks to try and conclude a deal.

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Overall conclusions

• The review concludes that the events at Ibrox on 8 March 2026 amounted to “two near-miss incidents of the most serious kind.”

• It says responsibility lies primarily with the groups and individuals who behaved in a disorderly and threatening manner.

• The review states that serious failings in planning, crowd management and governance also contributed to the events.

What happened

• The report says the match was overshadowed by forced entry attempts, assaults on stewards and staff, pyrotechnics, missile throwing, damage to stadium property and a mass pitch incursion.

• It describes the post-match pitch invasion by several hundred Celtic supporters as “wholly inexcusable.”

• The report says this was followed by an immediate hostile response from sections of the Rangers support, leading to further disorder before police restored control.

]

Planning failures

• The review concludes that planning for the fixture did not properly reflect its higher risk compared with the previous league meeting.

• It identifies shortcomings in risk assessment, contingency planning and multi-agency coordination before the match.

Ultra groups

• The review identifies the actions of Ultra groups as a significant contributory factor in the disorder.

• It says their conduct acted as the catalyst for events that unfolded before and after the match.

Ticketing and stadium access

• The report recommends greater use of digital ticketing and stronger systems to improve ticket traceability and prevent misuse.

• It also calls for better operational planning around supporter entry and crowd management.

Player and supporter safety

• The review states that football pitches are workplaces and that players should not be expected to accept pitch incursions as an occupational hazard.

• It concludes that the safety of supporters, players, stewards and emergency personnel must be the priority at future fixtures.

Disciplinary system

• The report says the Scottish FA and SPFL disciplinary systems are structurally similar but recommends closer alignment in how sanctions are applied.

• It calls for stronger and more meaningful sanctions against unacceptable supporter behaviour and greater use of football banning orders.

Main recommendations

The review recommends:

• improved multi-agency planning for high-risk fixtures

• enhanced crowd management and stadium safety procedures

• wider use of digital and traceable ticketing

• stronger and more consistent disciplinary sanctions

• greater use of football banning orders

• closer cooperation between the Scottish FA, SPFL, clubs and Police Scotland.

Overall conclusion

The review concludes that the disorder was not the result of a single failure. Instead, it says a combination of supporter behaviour, planning shortcomings and weaknesses in existing systems created conditions in which two serious near misses occurred. It warns that meaningful reform is required to reduce the risk of similar incidents in future.

Scottish_Cup_Quarter-Final_Independent_Review.pdf

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Daily Record Sport are claiming Ipswich are closing in on a deal for Daizen Maeda with the fee reported to be around £10 million pounds. Many Celtic fans will think this is too low for a key member of the team even if he has got 12 months left on his deal. The move has yet to be confirmed by either club and at this stage is ongoing.

Should Celtic be getting more for the Japan international? Is this another mistake by the club?

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Celtic are still looking for strikers to bring in this window and continue to be linked to several names including Kasper Hogh and Evan Ferguson. If a move for the latter does happen it will take place near the near the end of the window and will likely be a loan deal for the Irish forward.

Evan Ferguson was one of the brightest young strikers to emerge from Ireland in recent years, but his career has stalled since bursting onto the scene with Brighton & Hove Albion. Injuries and fierce competition for places have limited his opportunities, and after a difficult spell away from the Amex, questions are now being asked about what comes next.

That has inevitably led to speculation linking him with Celtic. The club do have a long term interest in the striker and he seems to fit the profile in what Martin O’Neill looks for in a forward. Could O’Neill be the man to resurrect Fergusons career as he did for Chris Sutton?

Martin O’Neill Wants Competition Up Front

Celtic have relied heavily on Daizen Maeda in recent seasons, and with he Japanese forward moving on this summer adding Ferguson would increase the quality of the attacking options while providing a different type of centre-forward for the manager.

His ability to play with his back to goal, link midfield into attack and finish inside the penalty area would offer something different to Celtic’s current striking options.

The Biggest Obstacle Is Money

The obvious issue is salary. Premier League wages are beyond Celtic’s normal structure. Unless Brighton are prepared to subsidise a significant portion of Ferguson’s earnings, a permanent transfer would appear extremely unlikely. A loan, however, changes the equation. It allows Ferguson to play regularly while giving Brighton the opportunity to see him regain form and value. If this does happen then it will likely be later in the window once clubs have done a lot of their business and Brighton are willing to do a deal.

Opinion

At this stage, there is no indication that a deal is close. However I wouldn’t dismiss him coming in late on. My guess is O’Neill would like a Kasper Hogh type along with an Evan Ferguson when he needs to mix it up in Europe. If the opportunity presents itself, this is one transfer Celtic will probably explore. I wouldn’t be surprised to see the club make moves for both Hogh and Ferguson this window. Could we see both at Celtic Park this summer?

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Daizen Maeda has never been the flashiest player in Celtic’s squad, but he might be the most unique. As Premier League clubs circle, Ipswich submitting a bid and talks reportedly underway, Celtic suddenly find themselves facing a decision that goes far beyond this player. Maeda’s situation is a window into Celtic’s ambition, identity, and longterm strategy.

Why do EPL Clubs Want Daizen?

Maeda’s appeal to English clubs isn’t complicated: he’s a manager’s dream. His intensity, pressing, and work rate are elite. In a league where transitions decide matches, Maeda is built for causing chaos in backlines. He covers ground like few forwards in world football, breaks defensive lines with sheer pace, and pressing. He defends from the front with a relentlessness that fits perfectly into modern systems.

He’s also tactically flexible. Managers know they can play him wide or through the middle in big games. Add in his Champions League experience and international pedigree, and you have a player who can slot into a midtable EPL side immediately. That’s why clubs like Crystal Palace, Fulham, and Ipswich are all hovering around him.

What Losing Him Would Mean for Celtic’s Style

Celtic’s attacking identity relies heavily on intensity. Maeda is the spark that makes the press work. Without him, Celtic lose one of the best pressers in world football. No one is Scotland can replicate his engine. Daizen’s pressure puts defenders and goalkeepers on high alert at all times.

Replacing him is almost impossible. Yes you can find a winger offering goals. You can find a winger with more flair. But finding one who does Maeda’s job, and does it willingly, is a different challenge entirely. Maybe that was the idea behind bringing in Duran with his pace and pressing from Qarabag?

What This Saga Reveals About Celtic’s Transfer Strategy

Celtic’s transfer model has always been built on identifying undervalued talent, developing it, and selling at the right moment. That’s the idea although the reality has sometimes been different. The club have left themselves in a difficult position with his contract running down to 12 months. The optimal moment to sell Daizen was last summer. After a strong season and with 2 years left on his deal. However a poor window of recruitment brought us to this point now. Will Celtic get the value they require from losing an asset they cannot replace? Or will they compromise? With his exit looking likely we say goodbye to one of the most unique players in Celtic’s history.

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Ipswich are being linked with a move for Daizen Maeda and reportedly want a quick deal for the Japanese International. Daizen has been honest about his wishes for a move to the EPL this summer and it looks like Ipswich will be the team to offer that. There are a number of teams interested in securing the Celtic winger but at this time it looks like Ipswich are the favourites after making their move.

Opinion

The question now is how much will Celtic get for the deal? With Daizen about to turn 29 and having a year left on his contract it might not be as much as quoted last summer. Potentially Celtic would be looking for a fee around £15 million. Whether that offer comes forward is another thing. With several clubs interested and Ipswich keen to wrap the transfer up the club should stand firm on their valuation for one of our key assets.

All views expressed on Celtic DNA are personal opinions and are for commentary and discussion purposes only