Celtic finally in talks to make their first summer signing: 15-goal striker eyed

Updated: 3 Jul 2026 15:38 BST | 4 min read

Martin O'Neill, Celtic, 2025/26 — © IMAGO

Tom Weber | Writer

Multilingual sports writer who specialises in European football and American soccer.

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Celtic have opened talks with Qarabag over star striker Camilo Duran as they seek to finally kickstart their summer transfer window.

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The Hoops are coming off a tumultuous season that ultimately ended on a high, with then-interim boss Martin O'Neill leading them to a double. The 74-year-old club legend was rewarded with a full-time contract as a result.

Plenty of turnover is expected at Parkhead this summer to ensure that Celtic maintain their vice grip on the Premiership. Interim chairman Brian Wilson recently promised a "very active" transfer window.

So far, however, precious little has materialised. Some of it, of course, is down to the World Cup. Winger target Elijah Just, for example, was in action for New Zealand in the group stage and surely keen not to let himself get distracted by transfer talks.

However, a lot of it is also just down to how Celtic have operated in the market in recent years. Former striker Chris Sutton has thundered that it "defies belief" that recruitment chiefs are yet again allowing the club to "stand still."

Celtic open striker talks

Whatever the case, things finally appear to be moving, with Sky Sports reporting that Celtic have opened talks with Qarabag over striker Camilo Duran, who is coming off a solid first season for the Azerbaijani club.

The Colombia international joined from Portuguese side Portimonense for just €200,000 last year and bagged 15 goals across all competitions, five of which came against Benfica, Ajax, Frankfurt and Newcastle in the Champions League.

Duran also produced 10 assists, which is nothing to scoff at for a No.9. He could be a useful signing for the Hoops, given that they desperately need striker reinforcements. Neither Tomas Cvancara nor Junior Adamu really impressed during their six months at Parkhead.

Discussions between Celtic and Qarabag are in full swing. There was initially a sizeable gap in valuation, but it seems that this has not deterred the Premiership champions - at least for now.

The Celtic Way claims that Duran could cost in the region of €3 million, which would represent a handsome profit for Qarabag. The striker has two years left on his deal and a move to Celtic will surely appeal to him.

Sabah broke Qarabag's stranglehold on the Azerbaijan Premier League last season, meaning that the Baku side will not take part in Champions League qualifying, unlike Celtic.

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