NafisaCeltic are looking to bolster their forward line as manager Martin O’Neill seeks to add more firepower before the summer transfer window closes at the beginning of September.
The Hoops netted 73 goals in the Scottish Premiership to secure the title last season, a notable drop from the 112 they managed under Brendan Rodgers during the 2024/25 campaign.
No player in O’Neill’s squad reached double figures for both goals and assists, with the highest assist tally stopping at eight. The Northern Irish tactician will likely be prioritising new arrivals who can offer creativity and a consistent goal threat in the final third.
The Scottish champions are searching for another standout performer similar to attacking midfielder Matt O’Riley, who delivered an outstanding 18 goals and 13 assists in the Premiership for Rodgers in the 2023/24 season.
His exceptional contributions convinced Premier League outfit Brighton & Hove Albion to pay a club-record £25 million to secure his services in the summer of 2024.
O’Riley proved to be a constant menace as both a goalscorer and creator from advanced midfield positions, making him an incredibly valuable asset who could influence matches in multiple ways.
The need for fresh attacking options has become even more pressing as Celtic prepare for another demanding campaign, both domestically and in Europe. With O’Neill now settled in the dugout, the focus is firmly on building a squad capable of matching or surpassing last season’s output while addressing the drop in creativity.
It is in this environment that Celtic are closing in on a key forward addition. According to journalist George Tsarouchas, the Hoops are advancing talks to sign Qarabag centre-forward Camilo Duran in the current transfer window.
The reporter claims the club are “really close” to finalising a deal with the Azerbaijani side to bring the Colombian striker to Parkhead in the coming weeks.
He adds that the player’s agent arrived in Glasgow on Saturday to push forward discussions on personal terms, which must be finalised before the transfer can be completed.
It was previously reported that Qarabag are seeking a fee in the region of £3 million for the 24-year-old, and it remains to be seen whether Celtic are willing to meet that valuation.
How Camilo Duran could become Celtic’s next Matt O’Riley:
Duran typically operates as a centre-forward or right winger rather than an attacking midfielder like O’Riley, but he possesses similar qualities with his ability to score and create goals on a regular basis.
While his output wasn’t quite as prolific as O’Riley’s in his final season in Glasgow, Duran was operating in a less dominant Qarabag side that finished second and scored 73 league goals.
The Colombian found the net nine times and provided nine assists in the league last term. His Champions League performances further highlight his quality, with five goals in ten appearances against strong opposition including Benfica, Ajax, Eintracht Frankfurt, and Newcastle United.
Duran, therefore, could be the type of player Celtic have been missing since O’Riley’s departure to Brighton — offering the potential to reach double figures for both goals and assists in a more possession-dominant team.
Hopefully, the Hoops can finalise personal terms and agree a fee with Qarabag to bring the forward to Parkhead ahead of the new season.
Nafisa
