Somebody asked who I’d sign for Celtic. I’d go for Tyrhys Dolan,” Mulgrew

In partnership with

The Celtic Star

·22 July 2025

Somebody asked who I’d sign for Celtic. I’d go for Tyrhys Dolan,” Mulgrew

Celtic were credited with an interest in signing free agent Tyrhys Dolan, earlier in the transfer window, but since then the former Blackburn Rovers winger has been attracting interest clubs across England and Europe…

Tyrhys Dolan of Blackburn Rovers controls the ball from Adam Smith of Bournemouth during the Sky Bet Championship match between Blackburn Rovers and AFC Bournemouth at Ewood Park on April 05, 2021 in Blackburn, England. (Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty Images)

While former Celtic player Charlie Mulgrew gave the move his public backing during an appearance on Go Radio yesterday, financial realities may make a deal challenging for Celtic.

OneFootball Videos

“Somebody asked who I’d sign for Celtic. I’d go for Tyrhys Dolan,” said Mulgrew.

“He’s out of contract at Blackburn. Winger. Class player. Came through there, looked brilliant last year. His deal’s up, I’d absolutely go and get him.”

Mulgrew’s comments are little more than his own assertion that Dolan could add pace and creativity to Celtic’s wide attacking options. The 23-year-old impressed for Blackburn in the English Championship last season and now finds himself at a career crossroads after his contract expired this summer.

Reports earlier in the window, including from

The Herald’s

Stephen McGowan Celtic and Rangers monitoring standout Championship winger | The Herald, had already linked both Celtic and

theR

angers with interest in Dolan. But any hopes of a straightforward move may have been complicated by increasing competition.

According to

Football League World

Exclusive: Celtic, Rangers and Bristol City face Espanyol fight to sign ex-Blackburn Rovers star, Espanyol have now entered the fray alongside several Championship clubs, including Bristol City, in pursuit of Dolan. The outlet also reaffirms Celtic’s historical interest in the winger, but the growing list of suitors raises questions about whether Celtic would wish to remain realistic contenders for his signature.

While Dolan is available on a free transfer, this does not necessarily make the deal any easier. In fact, out-of-contract players often become more expensive propositions. With no transfer fee required, agents tend to push for higher salaries or lucrative signing on fees and bonuses for their clients, viewing it, understandably, as an opportunity to maximise earnings.

It’s a familiar challenge for Celtic, in terms of their wage model. The situation with Dolan may still to be monitored from a distance, but more likely with a ‘keep us informed’ stance rather than any active pursuit.

If Dolan remains unsigned deeper into the window and his demands lower as options narrow, Celtic could yet return with a concrete offer. But as things stand, this may be one that stays on the back burner.

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers is seen during the pre-season friendly match between Celtic and Newcastle United at Celtic Park on July 19, 2025 in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

For now, Brendan Rodgers and the Celtic recruitment team appear focused on other priorities, and in the case of Dolan that is probably the right approach.

Tyrhys Dolan remains a name to watch out for, especially if other clubs drop out of the race. But unless wage expectations fall significantly, the chances of seeing the talented winger at Celtic Park may remain just that, a possibility, rather than a probability – even if Charlie Mulgrew’s assessment of Dolan’s talent is spot on.

Niall J

Read this – The backstory to Celtic in the Eighties by David Potter

Thank you to everyone who has already pre-ordered the late David Potter’s last ever Celtic book, Celtic in the Eighties, which will be published on the fifth day of September by Celtic Star Books. The link to pre-order your copy is below…

Celtic in the Eighties by David Potter, out 5 September 2025. Available to pre-order now.