Celtic See Their Bid Rejected For The Anderlecht Attacker: Why They Must Return With An Improved Offer | OneFootball

If a recent report from the Ecuadorian outlet StudioFutbol is believed to be true, Celtic are keen on Nilson Angulo ahead of a potential summer swoop. Anderlecht have rejected their first bid, but the Hoops are expected to return with an improved offer to secure the services of the wide attacker.

The 21-year-old Ecuador international progressed through the academy ranks of LDU Quito back in his homeland. He was eventually promoted to the first-team ranks, and an impressive stint in Ecuadorian Serie A earned him a €1.90m transfer to Belgium with Les Mauve et Blanc back in the summer of 2022.

Angulo has simultaneously featured for both the seniors and reserves across the top two tiers of Belgian football over the past two seasons. However, his minutes in the Belgian Pro League increased with time, as he made 29 first-team appearances compared to five outings for the youth [stats via Transfermarket] during the 2024-25 campaign.

Despite an initial sporadic status across competitions, the South American sensation grabbed a starting status towards the closure while contesting in the Champions’ Play-Offs. It has been a breakthrough season for the youngster, as the promises exhibited on the flanks grabbed the attention of the champions of Scotland.

BRUSSELS, BELGIUM – MAY 04: Nilson Angulo #19 of RSC Anderlecht takes a shot at goal in the second half of the Croky Cup Final between Club Brugge KV and RSC Anderlecht at King Baudouin Stadium on May 04, 2025 in Brussels, Belgium. (Photo by Alex Bierens de Haan/Getty Images)

Celtic were well equipped down the wide, until Jota’s anterior cruciate ligament rupture. The Portuguese was brought back to Parkhead in the winter window, but the injury sustained in April has now ruled him out for months. He might not feature again this year, thus leaving Brendan Rodgers with limited alternatives in the attacking third.

Why Celtic Should Snap Up The Young Attacker

Outcast Luis Palma does not belong to the manager’s plans. Also, Daizen Maeda’s brilliance as a ‘number 9’ could see him spearhead the attack rather than operate from the left. But the Hoops must fend off interest from Fenerbahce to have him beyond this summer. Veteran James Forrest is past his prime and no longer viewed as a regular, whereas Nicolas Kuhn, although exquisite down the right, has emerged as a transfer target for Newcastle United and Eintracht Frankfurt.

Meanwhile, the Celtic chief should deploy Yang Hyun-jun more often following a productive spell, and the arrival of Angulo would bolster the Bhoys in terms of depth and versatility high up the pitch. Predominantly a left-sided forward, Angulo is also comfortable from the right. His flair, finesse, footwork, and the ability to take on the defenders could make a difference in the final third against tired legs. He might initially get introduced as a ‘super sub’, but his playing time would increase once he attunes to the pace and aggression of the Scottish game.