The Hoops are in dire need of more firepower as Martin O'Neill demands new faces
19:30, 15 Jan 2026Updated 19:39, 15 Jan 2026
Kieron Bowie, Giuesppe Ambrosino and Franko Kovacevic
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Kieron Bowie, Giuesppe Ambrosino and Franko Kovacevic(Image: )
We are 15 days into the transfer window - and Celtic fans are still waiting on a new striker to come into the building. .
A striker is the top priority for Celtic this month to compete with Johnny Kenny and Kelechi Iheanacho - with Martin O'Neill stating that a new frontman is essential after the win over Falkirk. He stated: “You can tell that we definitely need to get a centre forward.
"Young Johnny Kenny has done really fine in the games but I think it's really harsh to put that kind of pressure on a young lad. We're looking for help.
"I'm not diverting to your thing, but I'm just not answering you! But you know, I am trying. I know I haven't done anything since yesterday but I am trying. We will definitely get people in.”
But who is on the agenda as it stands? Record Sporttakes a look:
Franko Kovacevic
Martin O'Neill has refused to rule out a swoop for Croatian hitman Franko Kovacevic - but the Scottish champions may have to stump up a record-breaking fee to land the 26-year-old.
Celje president Valerij Kolotilo has named the value he will demand for the star man. He told STA "Kovacevic is currently the best European 'striker'. Many people are talking about him, but I haven't received an offer for him yet. I will be satisfied with the record compensation for Celje and Slovenia. So, more than Olimpija received for Raul Florucz and Ezekiel Henty."
That would be more than €5million (£4.7million) for the attacker.
Callum Wilson
West Ham striker Callum Wilson is set to cancel his contract at the London Stadium. The 33-year-old only joined the Hammers on a free transfer from Newcastle United last summer and has scored four goals in 17 matches.
West Ham United's Callum Wilson
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West Ham United's Callum Wilson(Image: CameraSport via Getty Images)
Celtic have reportedly made contact with the player's representatives. But amid interest from Everton, former Toffees' star Ashley Williams has told Wilson to choose a move to Merseyside. He told Sky: “I can see him being successful, if he can stay fit, he’s very difficult to play against, and he would suit the style of football that Everton are playing.”
Giuesppe Ambrosino
Last summer, Celtic failed to get a loan move over the line for Giuesppe Ambrosino with Napoli opting to keep the Italian U21 international.
The frontman reportedly hoped to fight his way into Antonio Conte's first-team plans - but those chances have failed to materialise. Reports in Italy has suggested Ambrosino was set to sign with Venezia on loan on Monday.
Tuttomercatoweb report that the deal has been paused - with a £1.7m option to buy in the contract. Could there be an opening for the Hoops?
Mohamed Bamba
Lorient's Mohamed Bamba has emerged as a target for a loan move with option to buy - but the deal looks unlikely to happen any time soon. The striker was frozen out of the Ligue 1 side's squad amid a discipline issue, but has been named in the roster for Friday's clash with Monaco.
David Datro Fofana
Chelsea striker David Datro Fofana has told Celtic what he wants at his next club after the Glasgow giants revived their interest - but his Stamford Bridge future isn't on his new bosses radar. Discussing potential departures, new boss Liam Rosenior said: "With the amount of games we've got and the stuff I've had to do, I haven't got on to that topic. But I will do in the next few days."
Kieron Bowie
Celtic have reportedly "registered" their interest in Hibs striker Kieron Bowie - but former Easter Road striker Tam McManus reckons the club must back up their interest.
It’s claimed is valued at around £6million by the Easter Road side. Boss David Gray has insisted he is calm on the 23-year-old's future ahead - with Rangers and English Football League clubs also said to be keen on the frontman.
Kieron Bowie of Hibs
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Kieron Bowie of Hibs (Image: SNS Group)
McManus told PLZ: “I don’t think anyone will get him. Maybe in the summer. Are you going to put a bid in for him or are you just declaring an interest? Of course they are interested. He’s one of the top young Scottish players in the league."
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Ibrahim Diabate
Ivory Coast striker Diabate, rated at around £3m in Sweden, has impressed for for Gothenburg side GAIS and is reportedly on the Hoops' radar. Last term, the frontman helped them to a third-placed finish and shared the top scorer award in the Allsvenskan.
Asked about the star's future, Magnus Skoldmark told Fotbolldirekt: " GAIS is happy to keep Diabaté for the upcoming season, but something could happen."