Celtic

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Callum McGregor believes Celtic's uplifting campaign in last season's Champions League will "stand us in good stead" for the play-off round next month.

After qualifying automatically for the Champions League in each of the previous three seasons, Celtic - who reached the knockout phase last term - will have to come through a play-off round in August to reach the main phase of the tournament due to a drop in Scotland's position in UEFA's association ranking for the five-year period from the 2019-20 to 2023-24 campaigns.

Celtic came agonisingly close to their stay in last season's tournament - for an extra 30 minutes at least - but conceded a 94th-minute goal in Munich to lose on aggregate to the German giants.

"Of course, if we had our way then we would want to be straight in but we have to understand that that is just part and parcel of it," McGregor said.

"We've been here a number of times throughout the years. We believe that when we've been in the competition, especially last season, we've done well but no-one has the God-given right to be put in there right away.

"You have to earn your place. For the play-off games, there'll be five or six, seven or eight teams who all think they're good enough to be there but you have to earn the right.

"It's an amazing competition and I think we saw great growth in the team last season throughout the 10 games to the point there where we went away to Bayern Munich and were so close to getting a result.

"That should stand us in good stead but I don't want to take anything for granted so let's get in there first and hopefully we can have a similar campaign and even improve on that as well."

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Como will make one last attempt to sign winger Nicolas Kuhn from Celtic, but if they are not successful, they will turn their attentions to Jayden Addai from AZ Alkmaar. (Gianluca di Marzio), external

Albirex Niigata centre-back Hayato Inamura is on his way to London to complete a medical with Celtic, who have agreed a transfer fee in the region of £250,000 for the 23-year-old. (Sky Sports), external

Braga are close to agreeing a deal worth £2m for 25-year-old Celtic centre-back Gustaf Lagerbielke. (Sky Sports), external

Read Thursday's Scottish gossip in full.

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Captain Callum McGregor will use May's painful Scottish Cup final defeat to "fuel the fire" for more success with Celtic.

The former Scotland midfielder endured what he described as "the worst moment I've ever had in football" after his penalty was saved by Aberdeen keeper Dimitar Mitov in a surprise shootout defeat to the Dons.

More than five weeks on from his Hampden agony, McGregor is revitalised, refocused and "hungry" to lead Celtic towards more silverware.

"It was a tough moment, there's no shying away from that," the 32-year-old said. "I think what that does is it gives you more motivation to go and achieve even more.

"It's the ones you don't win that stay with you and fuel the fire for you, so I had a couple of weeks off to digest it and try and find a positive somewhere in it.

"I've been here a long time, there's highs, there's lows and you have to try and find an even keel and keep yourself in a nice balanced headspace.

"There's been ups and downs throughout my career and I've always managed to bounce back, so I don't see this being any different."

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We asked for your views on Greg Taylor's Celtic exit after the left-back departed to join Greek top-flight side PAOK.

Here's what some of you said:

Pat: It's a big mistake letting Greg go. While he did lack a bit of physicality in Europe, he made up for it with 100% contribution to the jersey. Hope he does fine in his new adventure, he will be missed.

Andy: Good luck to him. While he's always given 100%, he is a defensive liability. The majority of goals lost come from the left-hand side of the defence so in my opinion he's no great loss. We have strengthened with Kieran Tierney so just need cover for him. We also need a left centre-back as Liam Scales is a back-up at best.

Billy: Biggest mistake Celtic have made in 10 years - signing an injury-prone player who hasn't completed a season in six years to let the best left-back in Scotland go for nothing is criminal. This decision will haunt Celtic for the next five years.

Mark: Absolute travesty he's been allowed to leave. Tierney might be a great player but he's not reliable. Taylor played near enough every game, he should have been kept and assured a fair crack of the whip. Great wee player and totally undervalued by a huge portion of the so called fans. Thanks for everything Greg, you're a hell of a lot better than folk credit you for and were key to our dominance. Well played and good luck!

Paul: Greg was a great servant to the club. I'm sad to see him go. However, I think he's left due to the continued criticism from some fans. I wish him every success in the future. He's always welcome back to Paradise.

Colin: Real shame to see Greg go. He's been excellent for us. Often overlooked but always ended up proving to be the best player in his position. Peaked under Ange Postecoglou in an inverted role, which suited him and unlocked new possibilities for our attack. He will be missed by all, including those who still doubt him.

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Manager Brendan Rodgers has reiterated that Celtic are "getting a top player back" at an exciting age in Kieran Tierney.

The Scotland defender has returned to Parkhead six years after his big-money move to the Premier League with Arsenal.

Despite injury troubles and a lack of game time in recent seasons, the left-back could be set to enter his peak years having just turned 28.

Rodgers says the fact Tierney and fellow returning player Ross Doohan have come through the Celtic academy is "so important" as they "understand the values" and help maintain "the culture that's created" at the club.

On Tierney specifically, Rodgers added: "I'm absolutely delighted. We're getting a top player back. Sometimes top players like that might come later on in their career.

"But we're getting Kieran at 28 years of age. I was with him during the summer so I know first hand how excited he is to be here."

Legia Warsaw have made an enquiry for 23-year-old Celtic winger Hyun-Jun Yang, who has three years to run on his contract with the Scottish champions. (Sky Sports), external

Reports indicate Celtic have told RB Leipzig the asking price for winger Nicolas Kuhn, 25. (Record), external

Read Wednesday's Scottish gossip

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Announcing his exit, Celtic thanked "key figure" Greg Taylor for his "vast contribution" to the club.

The Scotland left-back has signed for Greek top-flight side PAOK after rejecting a new contract to remain with the Scottish Premiership champions.

Signing from Kilmarnock in 2019, the 27-year-old went on to win five league titles, three Scottish Cups and three League Cups, including the treble in 2022-23.

In a statement, the Parkhead club said: "Over the past six years [Taylor] has been a key figure in the success that the club has enjoyed.

"Everyone at Celtic thanks Greg for everything he did for Celtic over the past six years and wish him and his family every success in the future."

Celtic fans, how do you feel about Taylor's exit? Who could the club target to replace him? Or is an academy talent ready to step up? Send us your thoughts.

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West Ham have signed Scotland youth international Daniel Cummings, following the expiration of his contract Celtic.

The 19-year-old has signed a long-term deal and will join Mark Robson's under-21 development squad.

Cummings signed his first professional contract with Celtic in the summer of 2022 and scored 29 goals in 37 appearances for the club's B team last season.

He made his senior debut for Brendan Rodgers' side at Aston Villa in the Champions League in January 2025.

"It feels amazing to join West Ham United, and it's a dream come true," said Cummings.

"When West Ham came calling, it was too good to say no, and I'm looking forward to getting started.

"Since day one, when Mark [Noble] was on the phone, he spoke so highly of everyone here and sold the club to me.

"I did a lot of research about the club and there's a pathway to the first team, and that's all you can ask for as a young player."

Reported Celtic target Hayato Inamura has left Albirex Niigata to complete a "transfer to an overseas club", the Japanese side have announced.

The 23-year-old centre-back, who has played 36 games for his current team, is reportedly closing in on a move to the Scottish Premiership champions.

In a club statement, the J1 League outfit said Inamura "left the team on 29 June in order to complete the necessary procedures and preparations" to seal a deal away from his homeland.

The defender, who leaves with his side second bottom of the league table, added: "I have decided to transfer overseas. As a result, I will be leaving the team. First of all, I am sorry to have made this decision when the team is in a difficult situation.

"I know not everyone will be happy to see me off, but I will fight with all my might so one day everyone will think this decision was the right one and feel proud."

Greg Taylor was due to arrive in Thessaloniki on Monday to sign a three-year contract with PAOK pending a medical after the 27-year-old Scotland left-back rejected a new contract from Celtic and offers from other clubs. (Nova Sports), external

Albirex Niigata have confirmed that Hayato Inamura has left the Japanese club and it is understood the 23-year-old centre-back, who has apologised for leaving them at this stage, is set to undergo a medical and finalise the paperwork this week for his transfer to Celtic. (Sky Sports), external

After playing in Albirex Niigata's weekend 4-0 defeat by Machida Zelvia, Hayato Inamura has confirmed he has "decided to transfer overseas" and he is expected to arrive in Scotland this week to join Celtic. (The Herald), external

Royal Antwerp head coach Stef Wils has told Belgian media he is determined to keep a hold of 24-year-old winger Michel-Ange Balikwisha, who has been on Celtic's agenda since January. (The Herald), external

Read Tuesday's Scottish Gossip in full.

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BBC Sport has taken a look at which players will be free agents on 1 July.

The majority of major football leagues run from late summer to late spring, with pre-season in June and July. Therefore, contracts across most divisions typically expire at 23:59 on 30 June each year.

Those whose contracts are expiring but have already agreed transfers to new clubs are not included, as they will not become free agents.

Some Scottish Premiership contracts expire on 31 May rather than 30 June - the below players either already are or will become free agents.

Aberdeen: Tom Ritchie

Celtic: Greg Taylor

Dundee: Scott Fraser, Antonio Portales, Joe Shaughnessy

Dundee United: David Babunksi, Allan Campbell, Lewis Moult, Bryan Mwangi

Falkirk: N/A

Hearts: Jorge Grant, Barrie McKay, Lawrence Shankland

Hibernian: Maksymilian Boruc, Junior Hoilett

Kilmarnock: Kyle Magennis, Kieran O'Hara, Kyle Vassell

Livingston: N/A

Motherwell: Moses Ebiye, Harry Paton, Dominic Thompson, Davor Zdravkovski

Rangers: Adam Devine, Tom Lawrence, Ianis Hagi

St. Mirren: Dennis Adeniran, Elvis Bwomono

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New signing Callum Osmand has revealed the advice he received from former Celtic midfielder Matt O'Riley prior to sealing a "massive move" to Parkhead.

The teenage striker has penned a four-year deal with the Scottish Premiership champions, joining from Fulham.

The 19-year-old was a prolific scorer at youth team level with the Premier League side, but he is yet to play a game in senior football.

Osmand says the switch to Scotland is a "big step" for him, but fellow former Fulham player O'Riley, who left Celtic last summer in a big-money move to Brighton, has told the young forward what to can expect.

"[O'Riley] was telling me about how big the club is, how amazing the fans are and it's a new life really," the striker told Celtic TV.

"It feels unbelievable to be here and I'm so happy to be here. It is a big step for me and I'm excited to get going.

"It's a massive move and I can't wait to step out at Celtic Park in front of all the fans."

On what manager Brendan Rodgers expects of him, Osmand added: "When I spoke to the manager, he was really positive. The plan and pathway he has set out for the club is top, so it's exciting with the pathway he has for me.

"He has set out what he wants from me and it is all really positive, so I can't wait to get going now."

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Demands at Celtic will ensure "there are no let-ups" for the squad as they prepare for the new season with the "same hunger and desire" to be successful, says assistant coach John Kennedy.

Despite ending last term with a painful Scottish Cup final defeat to Aberdeen, Brendan Rodgers' men still finished the campaign with a Scottish Premiership title and League Cup trophy.

The Parkhead side also progressed to the knockout stage of the Champions League and ran Bayern Munich close before being eliminated from the competition by the German giants.

Reflecting on the past season, Kennedy told Celtic TV: "The guys were superb, they put everything in to it. We can look back on a lot of positives, take a lot from that and be positive going into this season again.

"It's good to reflect on that and come back in with the same hunger and desire to be successful again, because that's what the club demands, there are no let-ups."

Celtic are back in pre-season training and return to action on Friday when they make the short trip to face second-tier Queen's Park.

The Premiership champions also face Cork City, Sporting Lisbon, Newcastle and Ajax as part of their preparation for the new campaign.

Looking ahead to that schedule, Kennedy added: "Early on it's very much about the physical aspects, returning to our game model, our intensities, making sure we get all the work into the guys.

"We don't concentrate too much on the results, but in terms of how the players went through pre-season last year, the results, it naturally gives a bit of confidence.

"So you want that to be a part of the process, it's not absolutely vital you go in and win all the games, but there's no harm in it either."

Kalidou Sidibe, the 26-year-old midfielder who was touted as a potential £1.7m target for Celtic earlier this year, is one of five players for whom Guincamp believe they can bank sizeable transfer fees after missing out on promotion to Ligue 1, according to Foot National. (Foot National via Daily Record), external

Former Celtic and Scotland striker Leigh Griffiths has signed for semi-professional Stirling Macedonia Lions in the second-tier National Premier Leagues Western Australia after the 34-year-old ended three years with third tier Mandurah City. (Scottish Sun), external

Read Monday's Scottish Gossip in full.

We asked you for your views after Benjamin Nygren signed a five-year deal with Celtic.

Here's what some of you said:

Gordy: A good signing and hopefully just the start - we need cover all over the pitch.

Centre back, right and left-back cover is essential and a goal-scoring centre forward, while holding onto to what we have, unless a massive offer comes in that will help buy other players.

We need to show more ambition in the transfer market this season to be successful at home and in Europe.

Denis: Nygren scored a hat-trick against Fenerbahce in Europe, and is obviously a very good signing.

Mikey: What's not to get excited about? Another Scandinavian with a clear determination to advance his career and full of positivity.

I've seen him play for Sweden and he has bags of energy and drive. Almost looks like he's a mini Daizen, but let's not burden the boy with too much expectation.

Hugh: The signing of Nygren could turn out to be a very shrewd piece of business.

He appears to be a player on an upward path and with the guidance of Brendan Rodgers, we can hopefully continue his progression.

If we can get two/three good seasons out of him then we could end up with a £30m+ asset. Either way it certainly looks like £1.5m well spent.

Jason: Nygren looks like the real deal.

It's difficult to make one's mind up based on highlight reels, right enough. He is saying the right things in the media, regarding his winning mentality, his experience and what he thinks will be expected of him while wearing the hoops.

I just hope he has the longevity to do it season after season, on a cold wet Wednesday night in the north east of Scotland!

Celtic have reached an agreement to sign defender Hayato Inamura, 23, from Japanese club Albirex Niigata. (Sponichi via The National, external)

Brentford are interested in Celtic forward Daizen Maeda. (Sportiva via Daily Record, external)

Celtic want £1m for striker Johnny Kenny after Bolton submitted a bid of £500,000 for the 22-year-old. (Sun), external

Read the rest of Sunday's Scottish gossip.

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Celtic captain Callum McGregor admitted he might be a little "different" to most footballers, as he couldn't wait to get back for pre-season.

After retiring from international duty last summer, the 32-year-old did not have the extra workload of a Scotland camp after the end of a double-winning season.

"It's been a long summer - longer than what I am used to anyway," McGregor told club media. "But over the last few days, you're just eager to get back in and get back on it.

"You always have that excitement about what a new season can bring, with the opportunities and possibilities.

"It's nice to get away, refresh and take stock a little bit. Once you drive through the gate this morning, you are back to work, and the serious stuff starts now. We're looking forward to it!"

Brendan Rodgers' side now have pre-season friendly fixtures on the horizon, with Queen's Park and Cork City up first, and the captain is desperate to get back playing.

"I might be a little bit different - I quite enjoy pre-season! I was up at 7 o'clock this morning, ready to go and champing at the bit to get out the door.

"I think nowadays, pre-season the bedding in period is probably a little bit easier, like getting straight into running to be sick.

"The game has changed a little bit since then. It's the guys in the medical department who do all the screening to make sure everybody is okay.

"We had a light break-in session this afternoon, and then on Saturday the double sessions start. So, ask me again on Monday!"

Braga are in talks with Celtic over a possible deal for centre-back Gustaf Lagerbielke, but a number of Championship clubs are also said to be interested in the 25-year-old. (Sky Sports), external

Scotland Under-21 defender Matthew Anderson, 21, has completed a cut-price move to Belgian second-tier outfit Kortrijk from Celtic in search of regular first-team football. (The Herald, external - subscription required)

Rennes have cut their valuation of Kyogo Furuhashi by half to £5m as they look to offload the 30-year-old Japan forward who joined from Celtic for £10m in January. (L'Equipe via Glasgow Times, external)

Read the rest of Saturday's Scottish gossip.