Celtic begin contract talks with first summer signing

10 May 2026 15:02 BST | 6 min read

Cameron Smith | Digital Content Producer

Accredited sports journalist covering football since 2020

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Celtic have reportedly begun contract negotiations with Sabah FK winger Aaron Malouda, the son of former Chelsea star Florent.

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The 20-year-old joined Sabah on loan from Lille in September and after an impressive start to life with the Azerbaijan Premier League outfit, he completed a permanent move for €250,000 in January.

Current ETV

Aaron Malouda

F (R), M (L)

Sabah

Aaron Malouda

F (R), M (L)

Sabah

ETV Range

€0.4M - €0.7M

Malouda has scored eight goals and provided four assists in 23 league games this season and his exploits helped Sabah secure their first ever top-flight title with four matches remaining.

His form has unsurprisingly caught the attention of several clubs across Europe and renowned French publication L’Equipe report that Celtic and Sampdoria have presented their projects to the winger, with both clubs already in contract negotiations with his representatives.

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A post shared by Aaron Malouda (@aaron.mldd)

Celtic want to sign Aaron Malouda

Malouda made just four first-team appearances for Lille before his permanent exit earlier this year, but his stock has risen dramatically over the past few months and it’s reported that Celtic are keen to bring him to Glasgow when the 2026 summer transfer window opens in June.

The Hoops are believed to be in the market for several forward reinforcements this summer, with loanees Junior Adamu, Joel Mvuka and Tomas Cvancara all potentially set to depart for good, and Malouda has emerged as their latest target.

Celtic, who are searching for a new permanent manager this summer, have also been linked with Plymouth Argyle duo Bim Pepple and Lorent Tolaj in recent weeks, while it’s understood that a move for Schalke 04 star Soufiane El-Faouzi could be on the cards too.

Before any new signings arrive, however, the Scottish giants are expected to prioritise the appointment of a permanent head coach, with Martin O’Neill expected to step down from interim duties following the conclusion of the 2025-26 season.

Motherwell boss Jens Berthel Askou is currently the clear favourite with the bookies, although the likes of Robbie Keane, Roberto Martinez and Craig Bellamy have also been linked with the job.

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