Celtic have reignited their pursuit of Bodo/Glimt striker Kasper Hogh, while former favourite Kyogo Furuhashi has signalled his desire to return to Parkhead. The Hoops are stepping up their search for attacking reinforcements after missing out on Kelechi Iheanacho, who opted for a move to Turkish second-division side Bursaspor.
Hogh and Kyogo back on the radar
Manager Martin O'Neill was keen on Hogh during the January transfer window, but a deal fell through after Bodo/Glimt advanced to the Champions League knockout stages. The Norwegian club is now willing to sell the Danish frontman, demanding in excess of £7 million. Meanwhile, Kyogo has been informed by Birmingham City boss Chris Davies, a former Celtic assistant, that he is not part of the club's plans for the new season and will be allowed to leave. Sources in Japan indicate the 31-year-old is keen on a second spell with Celtic, though he would need to negotiate a departure from Birmingham, where he has two years remaining on a lucrative contract.
Kyogo's struggles since leaving Celtic
Kyogo's career has faltered since leaving Celtic in January 2025. A failed move to Rennes was followed by an underwhelming spell in England. He is reportedly eager to return to Glasgow, but any deal would require compromise on his wages.
Celtic's need for strikers
Celtic require frontline reinforcements after allowing Iheanacho's one-year extension option to lapse. The Nigerian striker then increased his wage demands before joining Bursaspor. The club has added Colombian striker Camilo Duran, but fans have voiced frustration over the lack of transfer activity, with thousands staying away from Saturday's friendly against Middlesbrough.
Failed deals and new targets
The botched pursuit of Iheanacho was compounded by a failed loan move for defender Marcelo Saracchi, who criticised Celtic after the deal collapsed. O'Neill has insisted progress is being made on other targets, including Egypt international Haissem Hassan. The winger has a €12 million release clause at Real Oviedo, but Celtic believe they can negotiate a lower fee. Marseille are also interested in Hassan.
Pre-season and squad updates
O'Neill has publicly maintained a calm demeanour but is determined to strengthen the squad. Celtic have one more pre-season friendly, against AC Milan this Saturday, before the Premiership season begins the following weekend. The team has yet to win in pre-season, with draws against Shelbourne and Middlesbrough and a defeat to Sporting Lisbon.
Donovan backs the board
Homegrown midfielder Colby Donovan acknowledged that fans are eager for transfer news but urged them to trust the club's leadership. He said: "Yeah. But you have to put your trust in the board that they'll make the right decisions. We just go out on the park and play our football."
Duran impressing early
Donovan praised new signing Camilo Duran, who has scored two goals in two pre-season appearances, including a smart finish in the 1-1 draw with Middlesbrough. He said: "Camilo has come in and you saw on Saturday who good he looks. He's made a brilliant start and that's two goals in two games in pre-season. He looks really sharp. You see him pressing centre halves and goalkeepers, he's tidy on the ball and has a nice left foot. He looks hard to play against and I certainly wouldn't want to defend against him. It's been a big boost for us with him coming in and hopefully there will be a few more new faces."
Internationals returning
O'Neill will welcome back several international players for the AC Milan friendly, including Scotland stars Kieran Tierney and Anthony Ralston, as well as Alistair Johnston, Daizen Maeda, Benjamin Nygren, Yang, Auston Trusty, and Sebastian Tounekti. Donovan added: "The guys are coming back from the World Cup and should be involved against AC Milan and that will be good for us. They are big players for this club. It will be good to have them back and the AC Milan will be a good step up for us before the season. They are a Champions League team so it will be helpful to see where we are at."
