Celtic edge closer to first January signing

Cameron Smith

28 Dec 2025 05:13 CST
3 min read

Wilfried Nancy, Celtic, 2025/26 — © IMAGO

Columbus Crew star Diego Rossi is reportedly preparing to join Celtic during the upcoming January transfer window.

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The 27-year-old attacking midfielder scored 19 goals and provided five assists in 37 games for Columbus Crew during the 2025 season and he has been heavily linked with a move to Celtic Park since the arrival of Wilfried Nancy as the club’s new head coach.

Current ETV

Diego Rossi

AM (C)

Columbus

Diego Rossi

AM (C)

Columbus

ETV Range

€6.5M - €8.8M

The Frenchman worked with Rossi during his time as Columbus Crew boss and it’s understood that he is keen to be reunited with the ex-Uruguay international next year.

This has been confirmed by Turkish outlet Fanatik, who claim that Rossi is preparing to complete a January move to Celtic.

The report suggests that Nancy has played a key role in the proposed transfer, with an agreement seemingly expected to be formalised next month.

Celtic have also been linked with a move for Rossi’s Columbus Crew team-mate Wessam Abou Ali, however the striker hasn’t featured since September due to an ankle injury and a mid-season deal therefore appears fairly unlikely.

Wilfried Nancy responds to transfer speculation

While reports suggest that Celtic are edging closer to finalising a deal for Rossi, Nancy was tight-lipped when asked about the possibility of signing a new centre forward following his side’s 4-2 win over Livingston on Saturday.

“Listen, like I said, you’re going to ask me this question again in the future, and I’ll give you the same answer,” he told reporters in response.

“When we have a window, it’s an opportunity for every team to improve. We’ll see what we’re going to do, whether we bring in players, and what type of players we want. Step by step, you’ll get the answer.”

In addition to Rossi, Celtic have also been tipped to pursue a January deal for Evan Ferguson, who could leave AS Roma next month due to the potential arrival of Joshua Zirkzee from Manchester United.

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