CONFIRMED: Celtic make striker offer but face Saudi competition

Robin Bairner

16 Jan 2026 07:24 GMT
3 min read

Celtic have made an approach for West Ham United striker Callum Wilson as Martin O’Neill steps up his January transfer business.

Article continues under the video

Although the Parkhead giants beat Falkirk in midweek, their 1-0 success was laboured, underlining the need for new signings at Celtic Park before the end of the transfer window.

O’Neill knows the pressure is on him and asked fans to ‘cut him some slack’ as he seeks to get business done.

Callum Wilson to Celtic latest

Now Celtic are taking positive steps towards a move for ex-Newcastle hitman Wilson, who has 92 Premier League career goals to his credit, including four this term.

Transfer insider Ben Jacobs reports: “Celtic have made an approach for West Ham striker Callum Wilson, as revealed earlier. Exploratory at this stage to understand his appetite to join and wage expectations.

“Wilson and West Ham could agree a mutual termination.

“Al-Ettifaq and Al-Shabab both explored a deal before Wilson moved to West Ham. Understand Al-Shabab more likely to make a fresh approach now if Wilson indicates he's open to Saudi.”

Current ETV

Callum Wilson

F (C)

West Ham

Callum Wilson

F (C)

West Ham

ETV Range

€5.2M - €7.1M

Why does Wilson want to leave West Ham?

Wilson has been unhappy that he has been a largely peripheral figure at West Ham this season, with the arrival of Nuno Espirito Santo in the dugout doing little to change his fortunes after he joined the club as a free agent in the summer.

The Portuguese coach has admitted that talks have been held regarding the potential termination of the striker’s contract.

Speaking on 6 January, he said: “Me and Callum we had a lot of conversations, just 10 minutes ago we were speaking about that situation.

“Two strikers have joined, correct. I personally decided these strikers have joined. Callum is a very experienced man, he's been in the game for so much time, he knows that his position has changed.

“We were honest with each other. Yes, your position has changed, but you are still a player for the club and we still maybe need him and he should help us because he joined us.”

More to come at Celtic

Celtic ideally want to sign two strikers before the transfer window closes, so even if Wilson arrives at the Glasgow giants, they will seek to add another name to their ranks.

Chelsea’s David Datro Fofana and NK Celje’s Franko Kovacevic are also on O’Neill’s shortlist.