Celtic open talks to sign American wonderkid and kick-start 'very active' summer

16 Jun 2026 15:02 BST | 4 min read

Suraj Radia | Editor

Celtic have opened talks to sign Dortmund wonderkid Cole Campbell in a move that could spark Martin O’Neill’s side into a flurry of transfer activity this summer.

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O’Neill was confirmed as Celtic’s permanent manager on a one-year deal last week after leading the club to the Scottish Premiership title during two interim spells last season.

Celtic narrowly secured the title on the final day of the season and interim club chairman revealed that the Hoops would be ‘very active’ in the transfer market, leading to the talks for Campbell.

Current ETV

Cole Campbell

F (R)

Hoffenheim

Cole Campbell

F (R)

Hoffenheim

ETV Range

€6.9M - €9.4M

According to Sky Sport Germany reporter Patrik Berger, Celtic are one of the clubs interested in Campbell, with the 20-year-old set to leave Dortmund this summer after a disappointing loan stint at Hoffenheim.

“For now, he is returning to Borussia Dortmund, though he has no future there—nor does he see one for himself at the club,” Berger said. “The chemistry between him and Niko Kovač isn't exactly great, so options for a potential move are currently being explored behind the scenes.

“Celtic is very interested in a transfer and has already held talks; that could be a possible destination for him.”

Celtic turn to Campbell as interest emerges in star midfielders

Campbell was born in Texas but moved to Iceland at a young age, having spent many summers training there due to his mother being a former Icelandic international footballer.

© IMAGO - Cole Campbell is in talks with Celtic.

The midfielder eventually joined Dortmund in 2022 and he featured for the German side’s reserve team before making his professional senior debut in 2024.

However, after making just seven appearances in more than a year, Campbell joined Hoffenheim on loan in January, although he played just 74 minutes during his time with the Bundesliga side.

Hoffenheim opted against taking up their option to permanently sign Campbell for €8 million, which is thought to have included a buy-back clause for Dortmund and Celtic may have to pay a similar fee to sign the American permanently this summer.

Celtic are expecting to lose a number of midfielders this summer, with interest emerging in Arne Engels and top scorer Benjamin Nygren, and Campbell could be seen as a potential replacement, albeit unproven, for one of O’Neill’s stars.

Campbell is a left-footed winger capable of playing on either flank or behind the striker and the youngster has two years remaining on his contract with Dortmund.

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