Celtic's dream January transfer window: Ferguson IN, Maeda OUT

Suraj Radia

24 Dec 2025 11:00 CST
4 min read

Celtic could be relying on a strong January transfer window to ensure their season does not spiral and see them miss out on a fifth-straight Scottish Premiership title.

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The Hoops have endured a difficult season which saw Wilfried Nancy become the club’s new manager in December, however the Frenchman’s arrival only led to a further decline initially.

The situation could require Celtic to make some crucial signings in January, although any major incomings will also likely require a significant sale in the process.

FootballTransfers takes a look at what a dream transfer window could look for Nancy and his Celtic side.

IN: Evan Ferguson

Part of Celtic’s problems this season has been the lack of a consistent goalscorer, with Daizen Maeda’s output having significantly dropped from his 33-goal campaign last year.

With doubts also residing over Maeda’s long-term future, Celtic are in the market for a new striker and they could be given an opportunity to secure a coup by signing Evan Ferguson.

Ferguson is currently on loan at Roma but the Brighton youngster could be sent back after so far failing to impress manager Gian Piero Gasperini, which could pave a way for the Irishman to join his boyhood club and give Celtic the long-term answer they desperately need.

OUT: Daizen Maeda

Although losing Maeda would certainly not be a dream scenario for Celtic, the Japanese international could command a significant fee in excess of €12 million, which would soften any blow.

Maeda is also entering the final 18 months of his contract and the 28-year-old is believed to be unsettled after seeing Celtic knock back Premier League interest in him during the summer.

With Maeda’s form having declined and the forward unlikely to renew his deal, cashing in for a big fee and simultaneously bringing a striker like Ferguson in may prove a shrewd move in the long-term.

OUT: Yang Hyun-jun

Yang Hyun-jun was tipped for a breakthrough season at Celtic but the Korean international has struggled to build on last year’s promise.

The 23-year-old scored four goals in eight league starts last season, but has failed to register a goal or assist this campaign and is slipping down the pecking order.

Leeds, Norwich and Birmingham all explored a move for Yang over the summer, and those clubs could revive their interest in January, with Celtic expected to listen to offers at the right price.

IN: left wing-back

Nancy’s change to a wing-back system has seen Celtic forced into fielding square pegs in round holes, with the likes of Yang and Luke McCowan often playing down the left flank.

The need for a left wing-back – any left wing-back – is becoming more apparent, particularly with Kieran Tierney used at centre-back and question marks over their other options like Marcelo Sarrachi.

Although no outstanding candidate has been linked with Celtic as of yet, adding more depth at wing-back would be a huge boost for Nancy to ensure his system can flourish in the second half of the season.

IN: Louis Munteanu

Irrespective of Maeda’s future, Celtic could need another striker and the Hoops have strongly been linked with CFR Cluj forward Louis Munteanu.

The 23-year-old has had an impressive record in Romania and Cluj’s president Iuliu Muresan recently confirmed that they are in advanced talks to sell Munteanu due to their precarious financial situation.

However, despite reports of Celtic’s interest, Muresan claimed that the Scottish side had not contacted them over a deal as of yet, with Lyon and Nantes also said to be in talks as the race goes on to sign the prolific striker.

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