Celtic are in advanced talks to sign 20-year-old Utrecht winger Adrian Blake this summer as Martin O’Neill looks to add firepower to his attack before the Premiership restarts on 18 July. League standing: 3rd in Premiership, 67 pts, 21W-4D-8L from 33 games, recent form WWWWW. The Hoops are ready to beat Wolves and Burnley to his signature after he starred for the Dutch side last term.

Who is Adrian Blake?

Blake began at Watford’s academy and made his senior bow in August 2022, coming off the bench in a 2-0 Carabao Cup loss at MK Dons. He made two more first-team outings before moving to Utrecht in 2023. At Utrecht, he carved out a first-team role and logged 41 appearances last season, scoring four goals and setting up two more. He also featured in the Europa League and scored against Celtic in January during a 4-2 defeat.

How good is the winger?

According to Fotmob on 15 July, Blake averaged 0.19 goals, 0.26 xG, 3.24 shots, 0.19 assists, 1.20 chances created, 1.30 successful dribbles and 5.19 touches in the opposition box per 90 minutes in the 2025-26 Eredivisie. Those numbers suggest he could thrive in the Premiership if he replicates and improves on them this term. Goals this season: 59 scored, 35 conceded (+24 goal difference).

Why Celtic want Blake

O’Neill’s side need a left-sided option to stretch defences and add creativity. Blake’s direct style and ability to deliver crosses from wide areas fit the Hoops’ system. Title race: 3 points behind leaders Heart Of Midlothian. With the next fixture at home to Middlesbrough on 18 July, every signing counts.

Next steps for the transfer

Celtic must finalise terms before Wolves and Burnley can push harder. The club’s valuation sits around £2.5m, but Utrecht will demand a premium for a player who’s already proved himself in Europe. Last result: Sporting CP 4-1 Celtic (2026-07-14). Recent form (last 5): 4W-0D-1L (LWWWW, most recent first).