The latest Celtic transfer talk centres on a rising star from the J-League, with the club reportedly scouting Japanese striker Soma Kanda. Our analysis of the past seven days shows the club has been linked with 17 potential arrivals and 9 possible departures, and the updates below represent the latest news on the most significant rumours. The hottest storyline right now involves Borussia Dortmund winger Cole Campbell.
Soma Kanda
Parkhead scouts are investigating Soma Kanda, a 20-year-old Japanese striker for Kawasaki Frontale, who manager Martin O'Neill may soon be asked to evaluate. The latest update on Thursday noted that English Championship sides are also said to be interested in the player. Kanda, who has 16 caps for the Japan U20 team, joined his current club in February 2024 and is under contract until June 2029.
Cole Campbell
On Thursday, journalist Mark Hendry reported that Hoffenheim have chosen not to exercise their option on Cole Campbell, meaning he will return to Borussia Dortmund. Hendry also reports that Dortmund are willing to sell the USA youth international this summer for a fee of approximately £6 million, leaving them free to speak to other clubs. A day earlier, Patrick Berger reported that Campbell is open to leaving and that initial talks have taken place, with Dortmund valuing him at £6.8 million. According to Sky Germany on Tuesday, talks were underway for the 20-year-old to move to Glasgow, with reports stating Hoffenheim had a £6.8m buy option.
Ivan Bašić
Sources told Football Insider on Tuesday that Celtic are planning a move to sign Astana midfielder Ivan Bašić this summer. The club has been monitoring the 24-year-old, who will be available for a reduced fee as he has just six months remaining on his contract. There is concern from Celtic that interest in the player will increase if he continues to perform well for Bosnia and Herzegovina at the World Cup. On Monday, Astana head coach Grigory Babayan admitted the club would consider offers, acknowledging that the midfielder’s performances at the tournament could create an opportunity for him to move to a stronger European league.
Álvaro Rodríguez
According to TuttoMercatoWeb journalist Pietro Celeste on Tuesday, Celtic are in talks to sign Álvaro Rodríguez from Elche. Reports have suggested the La Liga side could demand up to €20m (£17m), a fee that would break Celtic's current transfer record. It was also reported on Tuesday that AFC Bournemouth, Bologna, Ajax, and Feyenoord are interested in the striker and have taken action to sign him. There is no indication if Celtic are willing to meet Elche's reported asking price of more than €20m.
Benjamin Tahirovic
Reports in Scandinavia on Monday stated that Celtic have made contact with Brondby regarding a deal for Benjamin Tahirovic. The Danish club is reportedly reluctant to enter talks until after the World Cup in the hope that his value will increase. Since moving from Ajax in February 2025, Tahirovic has made 49 appearances, and his fee would likely be more than £6m. Last Thursday, Sky journalist Gianluca Di Marzio confirmed that Celtic had approached Brondby to ask for information such as his price.
Farès Ghedjemis
According to information from Africafoot on Wednesday, Celtic are considering recruiting Farès Ghedjemis. His contract runs until 2028, and Frosinone would reportedly demand a minimum of €20 million for his transfer, with a move before the end of the World Cup appearing unlikely. A day earlier, it was reported that the Italian club was asking for €15m and had stated that very significant offers have arrived from clubs in top leagues, potentially making him a difficult target.
Luke Graham
On Thursday, it was reported that Celtic are interested in Dundee defender Luke Graham. The player is said to be attracting interest from up to 40 clubs.
For all the latest transfer news, visit the Celtic club page.
