-
Feature
- 27 minutes ago
Celtic make BAFFLING striker bid: Rangers owners 'surprised' by approach
Tom Weber
- Updated: 19 Jan 2026 15:41 GMT
- 6 min read
News
Celtic "surprised" Leeds United chairman Paraag Marathe, who is the vice-chair of Rangers, when they enquired about Joel Piroe last week, according to a report.
Interim Hoops boss Martin O'Neill has been left playing catch-up in the market after unexpectedly returning to the head coaching position just 33 days after leaving it.
The sackings of Wilfried Nancy and Paul Tisdale left Celtic's January plans in disarray, and 73-year-old O'Neill now has to pick up the pieces. Former striker Chris Sutton thundered on Saturday that the club are "taking the p***" and accused the board of "sleeping on the job."
Under these circumstances, it is understandable that Celtic's January business has been underwhelming thus far. Julian Araujo joined on loan from Bournemouth prior to Nancy's departure, and Stephen Welsh has been recalled from his loan at Motherwell by O'Neill.
Celtic are still desperately scrambling to bring in a striker this month. There seems to be a good chance that they will finally land David Datro Fofana from Chelsea - six months after initially wanting to sign him - as he has just returned to Stamford Bridge from Turkey ahead of a permanent exit.
Celtic leave Marathe bemused
However, Celtic have also been linked with a host of other striker options in recent times. Last week, it was Joel Piroe's turn to be the subject of an enquiry from the Parkhead club.
Last season's Championship Golden Boot winner has struggled for game time at Leeds in the Premier League this term, which emboldened Celtic to make an approach for him.
What they seemingly failed to consider, however, is that Leeds are owned by the 49ers, who also own Rangers. By letting Celtic sign Piroe, the 49ers would have actively strengthened a Premiership title rival.
Naturally, the Hoops' loan offer was rebuffed, and Sky Sports now reports that Leeds chairman Paraag Marathe was left "surprised" by the approach. There was never any chance of talks progressing, especially over a loan given Leeds' financial situation.
Although Piroe is said to be "flattered" by the interest from Celtic, he is determined to stay and fight for his place at Elland Road. The approach was yet another embarrassing chapter in a disastrous January.
Football transfer news headlines today
DONE DEALS: Every official completed transfer around Europe today
TRANSFER RUMOURS: Chelsea willing to sell Enzo Fernandez as January deal close
Man City’s Marc Guehi signing is a January masterclass
Jeremy Jacquet: Chelsea’s new €65m signing has one problem no one is talking about
The FootballTransfers app
Check out FootballTransfers' new app for all of football's big storylines, transfer rumours and exclusive news in one convenient place directly on your mobile device.
The FootballTransfers app is available on Google Play and in the Apple App Store. Download here:
