Celtic are ready to strike a £5 million deal for Hearts forward Claudio Braga as the Portuguese attacker’s departure from Tynecastle becomes ever more likely. Sources told Football Insider that Martin O’Neill’s side are primed to test Hearts’ resolve over Braga’s future after the 26-year-old was named Scottish Premiership Player of the Season last term. With Rangers already signing Lawrence Shankland and Cammy Devlin, Celtic could pile on the misery for their Edinburgh rivals.

What’s the latest on Braga?

Braga’s value has soared after his standout 2025-26 campaign, when he led Hearts to within three points of Celtic in the Premiership title race. The 26-year-old netted 18 goals and added six assists in 33 games, and his £5m release clause has caught the attention of multiple clubs. Football Insider reported in March that Celtic are monitoring Braga closely, and O’Neill’s side now looks set to table an offer. Braga’s agent has already dismissed “ugly stepsisters” Celtic and Rangers in favour of a move to Brighton, but Hearts fear the striker could yet join the exodus.

Why does Braga matter to Celtic?

Celtic finished third in the Premiership last season with 67 points from 33 games, five points adrift of Hearts, and a deep run in Europe. Braga’s proven goalscoring and creativity would slot straight into O’Neill’s attack and add firepower to a side that has already shipped 35 goals. The Portuguese forward’s ability to hurt Celtic’s title rivals makes him a direct threat to their ambitions. As one insider put it: “Celtic see Braga as a chance to strike one of their closest rivals where it hurts.”

Who else is chasing Braga?

Brighton are the bookmakers’ favourites after reports that owner Tony Bloom could use his ties to both clubs to lure Braga south. Former Aberdeen CEO Keith Wyness tipped Brighton’s interest in April, and the Premier League side’s recent 4-1 win over Celtic in a pre-season friendly only raised Braga’s profile. Yet Hearts remain braced for bids from multiple directions, with Rangers and Celtic both circling. Braga’s next move could reshape the Premiership power balance before the transfer window slams shut.

Celtic host Middlesbrough on Wednesday in a pre-season friendly, a chance to blood youngsters and test new signings ahead of the Premiership curtain-raiser. The Hoops sit third in the Premiership table with 67 points from 33 games, five points behind leaders Hearts, and their recent form reads LWWWW after last week’s 4-1 reverse in Sporting CP. With Braga’s future hanging in the balance, Celtic’s next move could decide whether they close the gap on their Edinburgh foes or watch them pull further ahead.