Camilo Duran has vowed to blast the goals to fire Celtic back to the Champions League. The 24-year-old Colombian frontman bagged five goals for Qarabag in Europe's premier competition last season as the Azerbaijan side surged into the knockout stages before exiting after an epic clash with Newcastle United.
Duran's European Dream
Duran is determined to become a star with Celtic and is gearing up for the play-off showdown at the end of August. The £6m signing said: “Of course, I manage to score some goals in the Champions League last season and that is what I want. Everyone wants to score the goals that will get the team to the group phase of the Champions League. With God’s help, hopefully we can get there.”
He added: “It was always a dream of mine to play in the Champions League and last season it went so well for me. That’s so important for me to play for Celtic in the Champions League. I feel I have a lot to give and I always want to improve and score goals. I bring my work ethic and dedication, and I hope that by scoring goals and playing well, I can become a star at this club.”
From Lower Leagues to Big Stage
Duran relished his taste of the big time with Qarabag after going from Colombia to the lower leagues in Portugal with Lusitania. He said: "It's a crazy comparison. As you can imagine, there's a big difference between playing in the fifth tier in Portugal to playing in the Champions League. I got there through hard work and dedication."
Duran is not worried about the prospect of frontline competition coming in as Celtic step up their bid for Kasper Hogh. The Premiership champs tried to land the Denmark star in January and are back in the hunt – but Bodo/Glimt are determined to play hardball.
Welcome to Competition
Duran – who notched in the bounce games against Sporting Lisbon and Middlesbrough – would welcome any new arrival. He said: “Yes of course. I just work hard. I know if anyone was to come in they are just coming in to help the team. I’ve always played through the middle but wherever the manager wants me to play then I am happy.”
He added: “I am very happy to be here. I’m just excited to get started. It was a great experience to play here. I expected to see more fans but I know that will come with the start of the league and I know they really get behind the team. It’s been a great pre-season. I’d already done a month of training before I joined Celtic. I am feeling really good and I think that will reflect itself when I start the league.”
“Who wouldn’t be happy with two goals in two games in this beautiful jersey. I just hope there are more goals to come.”
Celtic Transfer Activity
Celtic are hoping to have Paderborn midfielder Mika Baur on board by the weekend but are set to scrap it out for Hogh, while Egypt winger Haissen Hasson remains a target. Fans favourite Daizen Maeda is on the verge of an exit after undergoing a medical at Ipswich Town. The Japan ace is set to be unveiled by the Tractor Boys on Friday after completing a move worth up to £10m.
Meanwhile, wide man Jota has taken a big step on the road back from injury hell. The Portuguese favourite reported back to Lennoxtown earlier this week and has taken part in light training. The Hoops ace has been out since April 2025 after a horror cruciate injury and has suffered several setbacks. Jota spent the summer doing his rehab in his homeland but is back in Glasgow and looking to rebuild his fitness. But boss Martin O’Neill has admitted it could be October before the 27-year-old is likely to be available.
