Celtic Remain Keen On Their Long-term Striker Target: Why They Must Get The Deal Done | OneFootball

Despite a strong start to their campaign, Celtic are not done yet in terms of summer business. They are chasing at least another ‘number 9’ to challenge and cover Adam Idah, and could now reignite interest in their long-term target David Strelec, as revealed by the Slovan Bratislava star’s father.

Milan Strelec, who also represented the Sky Blues early in his playing days, opened up following the club’s elimination from the Champions League qualifiers. The Slovak side suffered a shocking defeat against Kairat Almaty, as the little-known Kazakh outfit will face the Celts in the playoffs.

Told Strelec Sr (as quoted by The Scottish Sun), who also admitted that Slovan required his services while trying to win through to the main rounds of the competition.

BRATISLAVA, SLOVAKIA – NOVEMBER 26: David Strelec of SK Slovan Bratislava runs with the ball during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD5 match between SK Slovan Bratislava and AC Milan at Narodny Futbalovy Stadion on November 26, 2024 in Bratislava, Slovakia. (Photo by Christian Hofer/Getty Images)

Having progressed through Slovan Bratislava’s academy ranks, the 24-year-old Slovakia international eventually secured a regular first-team status. He plied his trade to the then-Serie A side Spezia in the summer of 2021, but only settled for a sporadic role high up the pitch. After a six-month loan stint in the second tier with Reggina, Strelec returned to Slovan initially on a season-long loan, including an option to buy.

Why Celtic Must Step Up The Chase For The Slovak Striker

After a productive 2023-24 season, they triggered the clause for a minimal €700,000 fee. The decision of having him back on permanent terms worked exquisitely in their favour, as the centre-forward fired 25 goals last season across competitions. Celtic had a deadline day bid of around £7.9m booted out when they tried to bring him in to succeed Kyogo Furuhashi up top, and the club reportedly set a valuation of £9m, thus putting off the Glasgow giants as well as Middlesbrough.

Strelec has started the 2025-26 season strongly with 4 goals in 5 outings. He netted thrice in the Champions League qualifiers, but his efforts went in vain when Kairat knocked them out of the tournament via the tie-breaker.

Yet he could still be a part of the European elites by plying his trade at Parkhead. Adam Idah has not lived up to the expectations, and Shin Yamada, the summer recruit from Kawasaki Frontale, needs time to attune to the physicality and aggression of European football. Johnny Kenny has shown his sparks in limited game time, but a poacher of Strelec’s profile would ease the pressure off Daizen Maeda.