Celtic’s January transfer planning may yet include a familiar name, even if nothing concrete is on the table right now.
Reports from Romania via digisport this weekend suggest Louis Munteanu could become available at a significantly reduced fee, reviving discussion around a striker Celtic previously explored during the summer window.
Soccer Football – Pre Season Friendly – OGC Nice v Fiorentina – St. James’ Park, Newcastle, Britain – August 6, 2023 OGC Nice’s Jordan Lotomba in action with Fiorentina’s Louis Munteanu and Rolando Mandragora REUTERS/Lee Smith
Celtic were strongly linked with the CFR Cluj forward earlier in the year, only for talks to stall when the asking price climbed beyond what the club were prepared to pay. Figures of more than £10 million were widely reported at the time, effectively ending any realistic chance of a deal.
That situation may now be shifting.
Romanian media claim Cluj could be willing to listen to offers closer to £5.2 million in January. If accurate, that would mark a notable change and naturally puts Munteanu back into the wider conversation, even if there is no indication Celtic are actively pursuing him at present.
Any potential availability would be driven largely by Cluj’s own circumstances. The club are said to be under financial pressure and may need to generate funds for squad work of their own. As their most valuable asset, Munteanu would be the obvious candidate should a sale become necessary.
From Celtic’s perspective, this is better viewed as an option rather than a plan.
Soccer Football – UEFA Europa League – Celtic v AS Roma – Celtic Park, Glasgow, Scotland, Britain – December 11, 2025 Celtic manager Wilfried Nancy before the match REUTERS/Scott Heppell
There is an acceptance that the squad needs added quality in attacking areas, particularly with goals proving hard to come by at key moments. Celtic are creating chances but failing to convert them consistently, an issue that continues to place pressure on performances and results.
Munteanu’s profile explains why his name keeps resurfacing and could fir into Wilfried Nancy’s team. He is mobile, aggressive in the box, and comfortable playing off the shoulder of defenders. He presses from the front, attacks space quickly, and has produced numbers that suggest he is capable of contributing immediately rather than simply developing in the background. At 22, he also fits the club’s long standing recruitment profile.
That said, there is nothing to suggest Celtic are currently prioritising this deal. January planning will be ongoing, targets can change quickly, and reduced availability elsewhere may yet dictate where resources are focused.
January will still be about addressing clear weaknesses, but not every name linked represents an immediate direction of travel. This may simply be one to monitor rather than one to expect.
