Five players who could join Celtic in January

Cameron Smith

• 8 Dec 2025 03:21 CST
• 6 min read

Analysis

Celtic are set to be active in the transfer market when the January window opens next month, with the club eager to back Wilfried Nancy following his arrival as their new permanent manager.

The Scottish giants face fresh competition from Hearts for the Premiership title this year and multiple reports have confirmed they are likely to bolster their squad with new additions over the winter.

Below, FootballTransfers runs through five players who could join Celtic during the January transfer window.

Current ETV

Bobby Clark

M (C)

Derby

Bobby Clark

M (C)

Derby

€2.7M

ETV Range

€2.1M - €3.2M

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Bobby Clark (RB Salzburg / Derby)

Former Liverpool midfielder Bobby Clark has been tipped to become Celtic’s first signing of the January transfer window for a reported fee of €7 million.

The 20-year-old, who is currently on loan at Derby County from RB Salzburg, has enjoyed an impressive start to the 2025-26 season and The Times have reported that he is set to complete a permanent move to Celtic this winter.

Rumours of a transfer to the Bhoys have died down in recent weeks, although it’s believed that Clark could be set to arrive at Celtic Park when the January window officially opens.

Wessam Abou Ali (Columbus Crew)

Celtic have unsurprisingly been linked with a number of Columbus Crew players following the appointment of Nancy, and Wessam Abou Ali has emerged as a possible new centre forward signing in recent weeks.

The Palestine international has scored three goals in five games for the MLS side since his arrival this summer, but his last appearance came back in September due to a current ankle injury.

Despite this, widespread reports have confirmed that Celtic are eager to finalise a deal in January following their failure to sign an adequate replacement for Adam Idah over the summer.

Andy Irving (West Ham)

West Ham midfielder Andy Irving has fallen down the pecking order under new boss Nuno Espirito Santo and a January exit is believed to be on the cards.

Championship side Wrexham are firmly interested in agreeing a deal for his signature, after failing to finalise a transfer this summer, however Celtic are also in the race to sign him.

The Scottish giants were linked with a move before Deadline Day over the summer and they have rekindled their interest following rumours that Irving is expected to leave West Ham this winter.

Diego Rossi (Columbus Crew)

In addition to the aforementioned Abou Ali, Celtic are also interested in his current Columbus Crew team-mate Diego Rossi.

The former Uruguay international scored 19 goals and provided five assists in 37 games throughout the 2025 season and he was Nancy’s talisman before the 48-year-old opted to accept Celtic’s proposal.

A reunion with Rossi is high on Nancy’s January transfer wishlist, although reports have speculated that he could cost a fee in excess of €8.5m.

Michael Noonan (Shamrock Rovers)

Shamrock Rovers wonderkid Michael Noonan has emerged as one of the hottest properties in European football over the past few months and he has been identified as a transfer target by a number of top clubs.

The 17-year-old has scored nine goals in 45 senior appearances to date and both Manchester City and Manchester United are eager to sign him in 2026.

However, Celtic are optimistic of winning the race for his signature by agreeing a deal in January before loaning him back to Shamrock Rovers for the remainder of the season.

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