NafisaAs clubs across Europe continue to reshape their squads ahead of the new campaign, Celtic remain one of the busiest sides in the market as Martin O’Neill looks to strengthen key areas before the transfer window closes.
The Scottish champions have already made several additions during the summer, but there is still a clear desire within Parkhead to inject more firepower into the attacking department.
After dominating domestically in recent years, Celtic know that improving their squad depth could be crucial if they are to compete more consistently on the European stage.
Recruitment has therefore remained a major focus behind the scenes, with the club exploring several markets for players capable of making an immediate impact while also offering long-term value. Much of the attention has centred on younger talents who have already demonstrated their quality in continental competitions.
One player who appears to fit that profile perfectly is now edging closer to a move to Glasgow.
Celtic are reportedly making significant progress in their pursuit of Camilo Duran, with the Colombian attacker said to have agreed personal terms ahead of a proposed transfer from Qarabag.
The 22-year-old forward has become one of Martin O’Neill’s priority targets after producing an outstanding 2025/26 campaign in Azerbaijan, impressing both in domestic football and on the Champions League stage.
Duran, who joined Qarabag from Portimonense for a fee believed to be around £200,000 last summer, enjoyed a remarkable European campaign by finding the net four times during the expanded Champions League league phase before ending the competition with five goals overall.
His performances attracted widespread attention after scoring twice against Eintracht Frankfurt, while also registering goals against Benfica and Ajax, before adding another strike during Qarabag’s play-off defeat to Newcastle United.
Celtic initially saw an opening offer of around £1.7 million turned down by Qarabag, but reports emerging from Azerbaijan suggest a fresh bid is now being prepared that is expected to satisfy the club’s asking price, according to transfer journalist George Tsarouchas.
Although various reports differ regarding the exact valuation, Qarabag are believed to be holding out for a package worth close to £3 million.
Encouragingly for Celtic, it is also being reported that discussions regarding personal terms have already been completed after Duran’s representatives travelled to Glasgow last week, leaving negotiations between the two clubs as the final hurdle before the transfer can be completed.
Should the move go through, Duran would become Qarabag’s biggest-ever sale, surpassing the £2.5 million received earlier this summer when Leandro Andrade completed his transfer to Ukrainian outfit Polissya Zhytomyr.
Celtic also stepping up pursuit of Tottenham youngster
Elsewhere, Celtic continue to explore reinforcements in midfield and are also believed to be intensifying their interest in Tottenham Hotspur prospect Alfie Devine.
The 21-year-old spent last season on loan with Preston North End, where his performances generated interest from several clubs across both the Championship and Scottish Premiership.
Preston had activated their option to buy Devine earlier in the summer, but with the July 1 deadline now having passed, uncertainty surrounding his future has reopened the door for rival clubs.
That development has created an opportunity for Celtic, despite Tottenham remaining in communication with Preston regarding the midfielder’s situation.
According to Football Insider, Martin O’Neill is a long-time admirer of Devine, with Celtic scouts having watched the midfielder on multiple occasions throughout his loan spell at Deepdale during the past six months.
The report adds that Celtic are now prepared to increase their efforts to land the England youth international, with Tottenham’s transfer activity this summer potentially paving the way for Devine to secure a permanent move away from North London.
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