Celtic

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The return of "really high-level" Kieran Tierney has been a "seamless transition" for the Celtic defender, says captain Callum McGregor.

The left-back re-signed with his boyhood club this summer after ending a six-year stay at Arsenal, and McGregor says "it's like he's never been away".

The former Scotland midfielder also stressed the importance of Tierney's "understanding of what you need to be a successful Celtic player".

Speaking to Celtic TV from the Parkhead side's Lisbon-based training camp, McGregor added: "It's brilliant to see him back. He's a top player, everyone knows what you're going to get from him.

"He's a really high-level, quality player who knows the club inside and out and that's so important as well.

"When you're in the middle of the season and you've got to dig deep, he has that understanding of what you need to be a successful Celtic player.

"To add that back in to the group and with even more experience from what he's learned in his time away, it's brilliant.

"The transition has been seamless for him so I'm delighted he's back."

Crystal Palace have put Odsonne Édouard on the market this summer and Celtic are monitoring the situation closely, with manager Brendan Rodgers considering a return for the 27-year-old striker. (Sebastien Vidal on X), external

Norwich City are not currently pursuing a deal for Celtic winger Yang Hyun-Jun, despite having scouted the 23-year-old and a report suggesting the Championship club were interested in the South Korea International. (Pink Un), external

Celtic are one of several options for Manchester United left-back Tyrell Malacia, but the Scottish champions would only be able to afford a loan deal if his parent club paid part of his wages, while competing with the returned Kieran Tierney could make the move less attractive to the 25-year-old. (Football Insider), external

Read Tuesday's Scottish Gossip in full.

Norwich City have expressed an interest in Celtic winger Yang Hyun-jun, who has signalled his intention to explore a move amid interest in England and Europe, but the Scottish champions have yet to decide whether to let the 23-year-old South Korea international leave. (Anthony Joseph on X), external

Brendan Rodgers, who is entering the final year of his contract, has held talks with majority shareholder Dermot Desmond over his Celtic future, but the manager admits he is not any closer to signing a new deal. (Scottish Sun), external

Brendan Rodgers is only likely to sanction a loan move for Giuseppe Ambrosino given the Napoli forward is unproven at 21, but even if the Italian arrives in Glasgow, the Celtic manager still wants to bring in a big-name striker this summer. (Inside Track), external

Brighton & Hove Albion striker Evan Ferguson would like to join Roma, according to Calciomercato, despite reports suggesting Celtic were interested in taking the 20-year-old on loan. (Calciomercato via Glasgow Times), external

Melbourne City want to re-sign Celtic winger Marco Tilio and are exploring another loan move or permanent deal for the 23-year-old who has already had two loan spells with the A-League club. (Anthony Joseph on X), external

Out-of-favour Celtic winger Luis Palma has returned to Vida, his first club in Honduras, to do his own pre-season training after the 25-year-old was granted extra time off after playing for his country in the Gold Cup over the summer. (The National), external

Read Monday's Scottish Gossip in full.

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We asked you for you views after Nicolas Kuhn made the "easy decision" to sign for Como from Celtic.

Here's what some of you said:

Brian: Great deal for Celtic. Very talented player who had his heart and mind elsewhere. Time to cash in.

Pete: Unreal the decision to sell one of our best players for pittance. With Hatate the only Celtic player with any creative instinct, he will be missed.

Eddie: Great piece of business. We can't over-hype him due to some moments of brilliance. We must remember the dalliance and ambivalence. He was a decent player but absolutely not the core of the team nor worthy of an encore.

David: Cracking good player when he was interested but really did back off when not.

Wasn't always putting in the graft that is expected of a Celtic player or that Rodgers would want. Thought he terrific August to December last year, top class. That form is the reason that we have got a huge profit from his sale. Good luck, Nicolas.

Patrick: It's a bit of a strange move since for me because we're possibly playing Como in the Como Cup but I know football moves quickly and I wish Nico all the best for his future career. Thanks, Nicolas.

Keith: Rodgers is slowly destroying the great legacy left by Ange. We are losing our best players and buying second rate. Still time to sack Rodgers and rehire Postecoglou.

Davie: I think it was the right time for him to go. The fans started turning a bit because it did look like his head was somewhere else. Personally, I thought he was pulling out if challenges to prevent injury. Now we know why.

James: Kuhn was a game-changer when the mood suited him, which wasn't nearly often enough for my liking.

He was a prime example of struggling with a cold, wet Tuesday night in Aberdeen.

A little too self obsessed to truly fit in at a club like ours, playing for the shirt and the fans is all that matters. I hope Cesc gets the best out of him, for both their sakes.

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Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers is taking the positives from his side's friendly defeat by Estrela da Amadora.

Defender Kieran Tierney made his first appearance since returning to the club while winger Benjamin Nygren got his first minutes in a Celtic shirt.

Despite goals from Reo Hatate and Adam Idah, the Parkhead club were beaten 3-2 in Portugal.

"We're only a couple of weeks in and there were some good moments," Rodgers told Celtic TV, external.

"Some not so good, some young players getting opportunities, some players playing their first minutes of pre-season. It's another step towards where we want to get to.

"We'll get sharper. The guys have had a heavy week, so they were maybe a wee bit leggy today.

"But it's that point in the season where you have to push and get through that, that's all about building your fitness.

'The guys will always look to play our game model, to press and to play, and we did that.'

"We had some really good moments, the goals were excellent. And then we got caught out, especially in the third goal, just pressing at the wrong moment.

"But all that comes with the evolution and understanding of how we play."

Winger Marco Tilio made his first Celtic appearance in 18 months as Brendan Rodgers' side were beaten 3-2 by Portuguese outfit Estrela da Amadora.

The winger, who has not featured for the club since November 2023, spent last season on loan with former club Melbourne City but returned to Glasgow this summer and was on from the start in Saturday's friendly in Lisbon.

Defender Kieran Tierney also started for the first time since returning to Celtic from Arsenal.

Reo Hatate opened the scoring after seven minutes but Estrela hit back with a penalty and a late goal to go into the break 2-1 up.

Adam Idah levelled for Celtic in the second half but the hosts regained the lead with less than half an hour to play.

Rodgers' side remain in Portugal and face Sporting on Wednesday night.

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Celtic are interested in 28-year-old England striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin, who has left Everton as a free agent, but face competition from Manchester United, Newcastle United, Sunderland, West Ham United and unnamed clubs in the Bundesliga, Major League Soccer and the Saudi Pro League. (Caught Offside), external

Celtic, Real Sociedad and Roma are interested in 21-year-old left-back Flávio Nazinho, who joined Club Brugge a year ago for £870,000, plus a similar amount in bonuses, from Sporting Lisbon, with the Portuguese club due 15% of any profit. (Record), external

Austria Vienna are among the clubs interested in Kwon Hyeok-kyu, with the 24-year-old Celtic midfielder who was on loan to Hibernian last season available for a fee of between £173,000 and £260,000. (Fussball Europa), external

Read Saturday's Scottish Gossip in full.

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Kieran Tierney admits his return to Celtic was always "a matter of when, not if" after he left the Glasgow club for Arsenal nearly six years ago.

The Scotland international agreed a pre-contract with his boyhood club in January and officially rejoined the Scottish champions last month on a five-year deal.

The Gunners paid £25 million for the left-back who insists he always planned to return to Celtic Park when "everything fit".

"Coming home is something special, because it's the dream that I've worked towards all my life, so to come back is amazing," he told the Official Celtic podcast.

"I think, if I'm being honest with myself, it was always matter of when, and everything fell into place now and it's been perfect,.

"I'm absolutely delighted to get it done, and I just can't wait now to get it back in action.

"I'm really looking forward to pre-season as well, getting games under my belt, getting to know everyone, getting back in the system that we play here.

"I'm looking forward to everything, I'm not wishing one day away."

Amy Canavan
BBC Sport Scotland

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Nicolas Kuhn said it was "an easy decision" to sign for Italian side Como after weeks of speculation he would leave Scottish champions Celtic.

The 25-year-old had a stellar first-half of the season with Brendan Rodgers' side in particular, and despite a drop in 2025, still managed 21 goals and 15 assists across all competitions.

The German winger won all three domestic trophies with Celtic during his 18 months at the club and leaves following a league and League Cup double last season.

Though no fee has been announced, reports this morning suggested Celtic would reel in £17 million for the man they paid in the region of £3m for.

How would you sum up Kuhn's time and Celtic and do you think - if reported figures are to be believed - it's s good deal for the club?

Let us know here.

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With the new season fast approaching, we asked for your views on how prepared Celtic are for next campaign.

Here's what some of you said:

Tony: An uninspiring summer so far! We are far weaker than this time last year, both in quality and depth. I don't think any Celtic fan expects excess spending but going in for players with lame bids is poor given the financial position the club is in.

Malcolm: The players we've brought in will cope with our league and cup competitions, but I would like to see two or three players who have European quality and experience, even if we get them on loan.

All would help our up and coming squad players. If we build a team for a good run in Europe, the league should take care of itself.

Joe: At this moment in time, I'm very concerned. More 'project' players coming in but we need a proven goalscorer and a ready-to-play midfielder. Defence is still thin and when one considers how we looked in the last quarter of the season gone, there's not much to feel positive about. Yet.

Peter: Celtic are not ready for the new season. Where are all these big buys we have been led to believe are coming through the door? Get them in NOW to prepare them for what's expected of them.

John: Brendan Rodgers knows exactly what he is doing. 100% faith in him and the board.

Celtic fans complain all the time it's never enough. Our board pull it out the bag every time. 100% faith.

Chris: I sincerely hope we secure Lennon Miller before someone else does. In the bigger picture, £5 million is good value. We're signing for the future so we should be looking at a Callum McGregor's successor and hope it's not another John McGinn scenario. We have to be happy with the smaller deals we've done until now though!

Bill: I doubt very much Celtic will sign anyone of any significance during this close season. It's the same old, hope that Rangers remain poor and sign no one, it's cheaper!

Des: Nygren and Osmand are very good signings for Celtic, and should be immediate first-team starters. Unresolved problems exist in the left side of defence, which are aggravated by Rodgers' midfield trio formation.

Michael: I'm still waiting for the 'big signing' as there hasn't really been anything that's caught my eye or made me think wow in this transfer window which to me has been very disappointing especially with the money Celtic have to spend on big players.

Sean: Overall, the signings have been good so far, in adding strength in depth, and they have done a good bit of business in selling Nicolas Kuhn. Although, Celtic may have shot themselves in the foot a little by not managing to keep Greg Taylor, but not a lot they can do if a player wants away.

I am looking forward to seeing how the more inconsistent players react this season, mostly Arne Engels and Adam Idah who show that they can be top, top players but it's the consistency that has let them down last season.

David Strelec says he is only concentrating on playing for Slovan Bratislava for the new season and is over the disappointment of a January move to Celtic collapsing after the Slovakian club slapped a £9m price tag on the 24-year-old striker. (Herald - subscription required), external

Dunfermline Athletic are close to signing freed Celtic centre-half Alasdair Davidson, 19. (The Courier - subscription required), external

Como have 18-year-old Motherwell midfielder Lennon Miller on their transfer wish list in addition to their £17m move for Celtic winger Nicolas Kuhn. (Sun), external

Read Friday's Scottish gossip

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In just over three weeks, Celtic start the defence of their Scottish Premiership title at home to St Mirren on 3 August.

Across the opening month of their campaign, Brendan Rodgers' side will also have to navigate a Champions League play-off.

Trips to Aberdeen and Rangers are also included in a tricky looking introduction to the 2025-26 season.

Here, BBC Scotland looked at where Celtic stand less than a month before they start their competitive action - but we want your views.

Left-back Greg Taylor has departed the club, while winger Nicolas Kuhn is also poised to exit in a big-money move.

Rodgers' squad has been strengthened by the return of Kieran Tierney, as well as the arrivals of Benjamin Nygren, Hayato Inamura, Callum Osmand and goalkeeper Ross Doohan.

But how much more work needs done in the transfer market? Which areas need to be addressed? And do you have your eye on anyone in particular?

Send us your thoughts

Kawasaki Frontale striker Shin Yamada has agreed a £1.5m transfer to Celtic and the 25-year-old will arrive in Scotland after Japan face South Korea on 15 July. (Sports Hochi via Herald - subscription required, external)

Nice are closing in on the signing of Rapid Vienna winger Isak Jansson, for whom Celtic had made an enquiry but decided was too expensive, after the clubs agreed a fee of £9m for the 23-year-old Swede. (Sky Sports), external

Celtic have been offered renewed hope of signing Michel-Ange Balikwisha, who was targeted by the Scottish champions in January, after the 24-year-old forward missed Royal Antwerp's training session amid transfer negotiations. (GVA via Daily Record, external)

Johnny Kenny is keen to sign a new Celtic deal, but the 22-year-old striker, for whom an offer from Bolton Wanderers was rejected, is also happy to then head out on loan if that is what manager Brendan Rodgers wants. (Herald - subscription required), external

West Bromwich Albion are hoping to sign Jeffrey Schlupp after the 32-year-old left-back was released by Crystal Palace following his loan to Celtic. (Football Insider), external

Girona will only sell 26-year-old out-of-favour former Aberdeen striker Bojan Miovski, who has been linked with Celtic, Freiburg and Hamburg, if they bring in another striker this summer. (AS), external

Scott Allan, formerly of Celtic, has joined SPFL newcomers East Kilbride's coaching staff. (Sun), external

Read Thursday's Scottish gossip

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Brendan Rodgers hailed his side's determination to "still find that Celtic mentality to keep going right to the very end" in their pre-season victory over Cork City.

Eighteen-year-old Colby Donovan scored a late goal in the 2-1 win at Pairc Ui Chaoimh.

Manager Rodgers described the match against the League of Ireland outfit as a "really good exercise" for his side, which was far from full strength and was much changed by the final whistle.

"First half, really good," the Celtic boss said. "We obviously changed the team and a lot of the young players in the second half will have learned from that.

"We didn't quite keep the ball so well and gave up the ball too cheaply.

"But overall, still find that Celtic mentality to keep going right to the very end and I've always said there's never a friendly when you play for Celtic.

"It's always a test because every team will want to always beat you. So we kept going right to the very end and Colby, who's been excellent, got the winning goal."

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Rapid Vienna expect forward and Celtic target Isak Jansson, 23, to leave this summer and the Swede has been ordered to sit out pre-season training. (Herald - subscription required), external

Read Wednesday's gossip in full.

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Gustaf Lagerbielke has departed Celtic to join Portuguese club Braga, the Scottish champions have announced.

The Sweden defender, 25, had been on loan to Twente Enschede last season, having joined Celtic a year earlier from Elfsborg.

Ten of Lagerbielke's 168 club appearances so far came at Celtic, with his only goal for the club coming in a 2-1 Champions League win over Feyenoord - an added time winner.

"Everyone at Celtic thanks Gustaf for his contribution to the club and we wish him every success in the future," Celtic said on their website.

New signings Hayato Inamura, Callum Osmand and Ross Doohan featured as Celtic defeated Cork City 2-1 in a pre-season friendly.

Inamura, 23, started at left-back at Pairc Ui Chaoimh, in a side that featured first-team regulars Arne Engels, James Forrest, Callum McGregor and Auston Trusty, with Viljami Sinisalo in goal.

Luke McCowan struck the Celtic opener in the first half and the Scottish champions changed their entire XI at the break, with new forward Osmand and goalkeeper Doohan among the replacements.

Matthew Murray levelled for Cork after the break and Colby Donovan headed a late Celtic winner.

Celtic, who beat hosts Queen's Park 1-0 last week, continue their pre-season programme in Portugal with games against Estrela da Amadora (Saturday) and Sporting (next Wednesday).

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Captain Callum McGregor believes Celtic's Irish players have done "amazingly well" to "accept the pressure" that comes with representing the club.

Liam Scales, Adam Idah and Jonny Kenny are all in line to feature in their homeland tonight (Tuesday, 8 July) as Celtic take on Cork City at GAA stadium Pairc Ui Chaoimh.

It's the first time the Scottish champions have faced the League of Ireland side in 16 years and McGregor is looking forward to the "special occassion".

"It's been a while since we've been in that part of Ireland," the formed Scotland international said.

"It feels so nice to come over and see the fans, let everybody see us in the flesh and hopefully give the best version of ourselves while we prepare for another long season.

"We're all looking forward to it. It's a special stadium and we want to go there and put on a show, just show the best of ourselves and hopefully have that connection with the supporters as well.

"When we get to come over and see everyone in person, then it's always a special occasion. We just want to come over and try and give the best."

It's the second pre-season friendly game for Brendan Rodgers side after they narrowly beat Championship outfit Queen's Park on Friday, thanks to Sligo-born Kenny, who began to break into the squad at the tail end of last season.

His fellow striker Idah has been subject to criticism from sections of the support since his reported £9.5 million, but captain McGregor insists they handle the "demand" enforced on them.

"The expectation at Celtic is enormous for the local lads and for the Irish lads as well that come over, there's a huge expectation," added McGregor.

"I think everyone in Ireland would give their right hand to play for Celtic so straight away there's a huge expectation, a huge demand on the guys that come.

"They need a little bit of time to adapt and accept that pressure but I think the boys who have done it have done it amazingly well and are a really strong part of the squad, so that's testament to them."

Celtic have made an enquiry about a loan deal, with an option to buy, for Napoli and Italy Under-21 striker Giuseppe Ambrosino. (Sky Sports), external

Celtic want Giuseppe Ambrosino, who has a year left on his Napoli contract, while a £1.5m deal with Kawasaki Frontale for Japanese attacker Shin Yamada has moved closer. (Scottish Sun), external

Le Harve centre-back Etienne Youte is being tracked by Celtic, with Anderlecht and Besiktas also keen on the 23-year-old. (L'Equipe, external - in French)

Royal Antwerp winger Michel-Ange Balikwisha is closer to sealing a switch to Celtic, with the 24-year-old entering the final year of his deal at the Belgian club. (Voetbalkrant, external - in Dutch)

Manchester United and Netherlands left-back Tyrell Malacia is available to Celtic for around £3m. (Daily Record), external

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Luke McCowan is hopeful a Scotland call-up will "come along" if he takes his game to a "bigger level" with Celtic.

Midfielder McCowan, 27, earned a move to Parkhead last summer after excelling for Dundee and has been touted for international recognition in recent seasons.

Despite featuring in 41 matches for the Scottish champions last term, McCowan has yet to be called up by Steve Clarke.

"If it comes along, I'd be absolutely honoured to go and put that top on and represent my country," McCowan said.

"Just now, it's not happening, but if I play well enough in the times ahead, I'm sure it'll hopefully come along.

"It's not something I'm totally focused on, I'm focused on Celtic, but if that was to come along, I'd be absolutely delighted."

McCowan believes a Scotland call-up is well within his grasp if he can build on his first season at Celtic.

"It's an aim for anybody playing at a club this size, to go and play for your national team," he added. "I have something to offer at Celtic, so why can't I do it with Scotland?

"I'm sure at some point, if I was to keep the level I have been doing here, it'll come along, and if it does, then I'll come out with open arms and be delighted with it."

McCowan, who started 14 games for Celtic last term, is confident he can show further improvement in his game and feature more prominently in the season ahead.

"If you don't think like that, there's no point in continuing," he said. "I just need to keep learning. I need to keep doing it and hope that this season can be even bigger than the one last year.

"It's about repeating it and probably doing better than what I did again. Adding more numbers again and more creativity, whatever it may be.

"It's about using the good of last year and then trying to improve the bits that maybe weren't so good for myself and getting them better for the season ahead."

Celtic are considering a £3m move for Dutch central defender Justin de Haas, who is at Portuguese club Famalicao. (The Herald), external

Celtic remain in talks with Royal Antwerp over Michel-Ange Balikwisha and are also interested in Rapid Vienna's Isak Jansson as they seek two new wingers. (Daily Record), external

Rapid Vienna are asking for a fee in the region of £10m for Swedish winger Isak Jansson. (Sky Sports), external

Celtic defender Gustaf Lagerbielke has completed a medical with Portuguese side Braga before a prospective £2m move. (Anthony Joseph on X), external

Norwich City have reached an agreement to sign long-term Celtic target Mathias Kvistgaarden from Brondby. (Tipsbladet, external - in Danish)

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