Celtic’s January business may have begun slowly, but speculation around potential incomings is now gathering pace.
Several players have been linked with a move to Parkhead over the past few days, with manager Martin O’Neill making it clear that he wants reinforcements secured ahead of next weekend’s Premiership summit clash with Hearts.
On Friday, two fresh names surfaced, including a striker currently plying his trade in the Premier League and a Swiss international defender.
One report has claimed Celtic are exploring a loan deal for Leeds United forward Joel Piroe, a suggestion that has caught the attention of Rangers supporters because of the ownership links involved. Leeds chairman Paraag Marathe also serves as vice-chairman at Rangers, with both clubs connected through 49ers Enterprises, prompting debate online about the idea of a player moving between rival sides within the same ownership group.
Sky Sports reporter Anthony Joseph posted on X that Celtic have already held discussions about a potential move for Piroe. He noted that the Hoops would favour a loan arrangement and are capable of matching the striker’s wage demands, although Leeds have yet to signal any desire on the player’s part to leave. The involvement of 49ers Enterprises is also said to add an extra layer of complexity to any deal.
Piroe, 26, has scored 33 goals and provided 10 assists in 109 appearances for Leeds since arriving from Swansea City in a £10 million transfer in 2023. However, he has yet to find the net this season and has started only two matches. Prior to his move to Elland Road, the Dutch-born forward registered 46 goals and eight assists in 96 games for Swansea, and he has recently opted to represent Suriname at international level.
Celtic are also being linked with a possible loan move for Eintracht Frankfurt centre-back Aurele Amenda. The 22-year-old is reportedly keen to boost his chances of being selected for Switzerland’s World Cup squad under Murat Yakin. German reports suggest Celtic are competing with Mainz, Lorient, Nice, Torino and Valencia for a deal running until the end of the campaign.
Amenda joined Frankfurt from Young Boys for £7.8 million in the summer of 2024 but has found opportunities limited, starting just three Bundesliga matches and one in the Champions League. Celtic are understood to be looking for right-sided defensive cover following Cameron Carter-Vickers’ injury, having already recalled Stephen Welsh from Motherwell earlier this week.