Celtic is pushing towards their first signing of the summer window, with a deal to bring Qarabag striker Camilo Duran to Parkhead nearing completion for a fee of £2.5 million.

What's the context?

The move comes after Celtic's opening offer of approximately £1.7 million plus add-ons was rejected by Qarabag, who paid under £200,000 to sign Duran from Portimonense just twelve months ago.

What does Duran bring?

Duran registered 15 goals and 10 assists in 48 appearances last season, including five goals in the Champions League against top-tier teams like Benfica, Ajax, Newcastle United, and Eintracht Frankfurt.

Why it matters for Celtic

With Kelechi Iheanacho departing as a free agent and Tomas Cvancara and Junior Adamu returning to their parent clubs, Celtic's striking options have thinned considerably, making Duran's potential signing a valuable addition to the squad, especially considering the team's current league standing: 3rd in Premiership, 67 pts, 21W-4D-8L from 33 games, recent form WWWWW. Celtic's recent form, including a 5-game winning run, has kept them in contention for the top spot, and the signing of Duran could be a key factor in their pursuit of the title, as they are currently 3 points behind leaders Heart Of Midlothian. The team's last result, a 3-1 win over Dunfermline on 2026-05-23, demonstrates their ability to perform under pressure, and the addition of Duran could further enhance their attacking capabilities. With Reo Hatate and Arne Engels attracting interest from other clubs, and Benjamin Nygren drawing suitors after a 21-goal season, Celtic's squad faces meaningful attrition, making the signing of Duran a statement of intent for the upcoming season. Getting Duran over the line first would be a significant move for Celtic, especially considering their goal difference of +24, with 59 goals scored and 35 conceded this season. The signing of Duran would also demonstrate Celtic's commitment to strengthening their squad, as they look to build on their recent success and push for the top spot in the Premiership.