Celtic are reportedly closing in on a deal to sign Hajduk Split midfielder Niko Sigur, but the move has been placed on pause following the dismissal of Wilfried Nancy.
The French coach was removed from his position after a torrid spell in charge that saw him lose six of his eight games, with Martin O’Neill once again stepping in as interim boss for the rest of the campaign as the club reassesses its direction. Before his exit, Nancy managed to push through one addition, securing full-back Julian Araujo on loan from Bournemouth.
Reports from Croatia suggest Nancy had also been on the brink of landing Canada international Sigur before his departure. The 22-year-old defensive midfielder — who is also capable of operating at right-back — has drawn interest from Premier League side Wolves. However, Croatian outlet 24Sata claim it is Celtic who have reached an agreement with Hajduk Split to bring the player to Glasgow.
Sigur came through youth systems in North America with Vancouver Whitecaps and Vaughan Azzuri before joining Split in 2022. He was named on standby for Croatia’s senior squad ahead of Euro 2024 before switching international allegiance to Canada, for whom he has earned 15 caps, lining up alongside Celtic favourite Alistair Johnston.
It is claimed that although the transfer is currently in limbo due to the managerial change, Celtic’s strong working relationship with the player’s representatives, SA33, has helped both clubs reach an agreement in principle.
Former Parkhead stars Liel Abada and Matt O’Riley are also represented by the same agency and were instrumental in generating £10million and £25m respectively through their moves to Charlotte FC and Brighton in 2024. On Tuesday, interim manager O’Neill made clear his belief that reinforcements are vital during the January window.
He said: “Of course if you could sign all the players that you’d want to have, it would be great, and it doesn’t work like that. I generally work within the parameters of the club, but I’d be hoping that now we’re in a bit of difficulty, we have to fight back, and I would say the same to the board.
“I think we’re all aware, and so are the fans, that we do, the squad needs strengthening, if we can do. We’re going all out to try and do that.
“I would be hoping for it, but if the board were to listen to me, then we would have about 56 players, so I will try and narrow it down. I think you’d be aware, of what positions we need to strengthen in, and that’s what we’re going to try and do.
“It’s a difficult window, and in terms of buying players, things like this here, that’ll be difficult, but we do need, we do need to supplement the squad, absolutely no question about that.”