Celtic manager Martin O'Neill has confirmed that Colombian striker Camilo Duran is set to complete a £6 million move to the club within the next 48 hours, following a 1-1 pre-season friendly draw with Shelbourne in Dublin. Duran, 24, scored 15 goals for his Azerbaijani club last season, including five in the Champions League, and is expected to undergo a medical before signing a five-year contract.
Duran to Join Celtic in Portugal
O'Neill revealed that Duran will travel to the UK to finalise the deal and then join the squad for their pre-season training camp in Portugal. "I think that Tim Williamson, our physio, has gone down to meet up with him, and I think that's going to happen," O'Neill said. "I think he should join us in Portugal, certainly in the next 24 hours." The manager highlighted Duran's ability to hold up play and his strength as a striker, though the left-footed attacker can also play on the flank.
More Signings Expected
O'Neill confirmed that the club is actively pursuing additional targets to strengthen the squad. "We need a number of players still," he said. "We have been making inroads into it, like everything else. Sometimes you get thwarted, but yeah, we need a few players." Duran is Celtic's first summer addition as the Double-winners' transfer drive kicks into action.
Yang to Miss Rangers Showdown
Celtic will be without South Korean winger Hyunjun Yang for the September 20 derby against Rangers. Yang, 24, has been called up for the Under-23 Asian Games from September 19 to October 4, which also offers exemption from military service. O'Neill commented: "He's in, and he's got military duties. So we might have to miss him for a number of weeks, but we knew that before we extended his contract."
Pre-Season Friendly in Dublin
O'Neill expressed satisfaction with the pre-season runout against Shelbourne at a packed Tolka Park. He fielded different XIs in each half, giving academy youngsters a chance to impress. Cameron Carter-Vickers returned from a long-term Achilles injury, while Maik Nawrocki and Shin Yamada featured after loan spells in Germany. A mistake from Adam Montgomery led to a penalty for Shelbourne in the 88th minute, but substitute Yamada equalised from the spot in stoppage time. O'Neill said: "The runout was important. It gives me a chance to look at younger players and for senior boys to get fit."
