Celtic bid for record-breaking wonderkid as Romano confirms hijack fears

Tom Weber

Updated: 17 Jan 2026 16:35 GMT
4 min read

Celtic and Hoffenheim are battling for the signature of Shamrock Rovers wonderkid Michael Noonan, according to Fabrizio Romano.

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The young striker has broken several records since making his senior debut for St. Patrick's Athletic in February 2024, aged just 15 years and six months. Noonan joined Shamrock Rovers last January and enjoyed a remarkable 2025 season.

The Republic of Ireland youth international became the Conference League's youngest-ever goalscorer when he netted the crucial goal in a 1-0 away win over Molde in February. In doing so, he also became the Hoops' youngest European goalscorer.

Current ETV

Michael Noonan

F (C)

Shamrock Rovers

Michael Noonan

F (C)

Shamrock Rovers

ETV Range

€0.5M - €0.8M

Noonan has already been capped by Ireland at the U21 level, and he became the youngest scorer in that age group with a goal against Andorra in September.

All told, he has scored nine senior goals for Rovers, which has seen him attract the attention of foreign suitors. Transfer insider Fabrizio Romano reports that Celtic and Hoffenheim are vying for his signature.

Celtic bid but Hoffenheim lead race

The Italian claims that Celtic have made a formal bid for Noonan in the past 24 hours. However, it is Hoffenheim who are in advanced talks to sign the 17-year-old.

The Bundesliga side are said to be pushing hard for a quick agreement. Crucially, Hoffenheim would be able to sign him immediately, whereas he would only be able to join Celtic in the summer after turning 18 due to Brexit.

Recent history also works in Hoffenheim's favour. They are having great success with their young strikers, while Noonan's compatriot Johnny Kenny has struggled to make an impact at Parkhead.

Fisnik Asllani (23) has become one of the most sought-after commodities in the Bundesliga, Tim Lemperle (23) has also impressed and could be set for bigger and better things next summer, and Max Moerstedt (20) just signed a new contract to fend off interest from Eintracht Frankfurt.

In order to secure Noonan's signature, though, Hoffenheim will need to dig deeper into their pockets. The 42 reports that Rovers have knocked back two bids because the German club have yet to reach the €2 million valuation of Noonan.

As for Celtic, Noonan would be a great signing for the future, to be sure, but the Hoops have much more urgent issues. They need a reliable striker right now, not in the summer.

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