The Andy Irving-to-Celtic story is one that refuses to go away | OneFootball

The Andy Irving-to-Celtic story is one that refuses to go away. The Scottish international midfielder has been linked with a move to Celtic, most recently back in January and again earlier this transfer window…

Andy Irving of West Ham during the Premier League match between Chelsea and West Ham at Stamford Bridge on February 03, 2025. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)

What makes the latest rumour stand out is its source. The link emerged from West Ham Central, a West Ham–focused social media account with nearly 125,000 followers and followed by respected journalists such as David Ornstein and Fabrizio Romano. That kind of audience suggests the account carries some weight. Here’s what they had to say.

“A £3.5m bid for Andy Irving is likely to be accepted by West Ham. A £2.2m bid has already been rejected, thought to be from Celtic.”

It’s an intriguing development, especially given Celtic’s current defensive and midfield depth. Brendan Rodgers already has Callum McGregor, Arne Engels, Benjamin Nygren, Reo Hatate, Luke McCowan, and Paulo Bernardo at his disposal. The only obvious squad gap outside the glaring need for attacking reinforcements, lies at left-back, where another option to rotate with Kieran Tierney might be useful.

Andy Irving of West Ham celebrates after scoring his team’s first goal during a Pre-Season Friendly match between Dagenham & Redbridge and West Ham United at Chigwell Construction Stadium on July 20, 2024. (Photo by Harriet Lander/Getty Images)

Paulo Bernardo may find himself squeezed for game time

If Irving is genuinely on the club’s radar, it could signal a potential change in personnel, because six midfielders, as we have, feels like the ideal number, while seven might be excessive. Bernardo, for example, may find himself squeezed for game time.

In the two No.8 roles, he faces competition from four players ahead of him in the pecking order. If he’s viewed primarily as cover for McGregor, his chances may be even slimmer, which could leave him open to offers, and there’s been plenty of rumours, but nothing concrete about just that this summer. If that occurred, Irving, with his physical presence and versatility, could arguably be seen as a more natural succession option for McGregor in the long term.

Andy Irving’s career path has been anything but straightforward. A former Hearts player, he left Tynecastle feeling unwanted and opted for an adventurous move to Germany, joining Türkgücü München in the third tier. That gamble backfired when the club went out of business, leaving Irving back in Scotland and without a team.

Andy Irving of Scotland during a training session at Lesser Hampden on October 08, 2024. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

His fortunes turned when he signed for SK Austria Klagenfurt. Over 60 games, he scored 16 goals and registered 14 assists, catching the attention of then–West Ham manager David Moyes. A switch to the Premier League followed, but timing was never on his side.

When Moyes departed, new boss Julen Lopetegui blocked a proposed Celtic move last summer after being impressed with Irving in pre-season. Later, under Graham Potter, Celtic’s interest was again put on hold as the manager wanted to assess the player himself.

Irving has only made 11 appearances for the Hammers over the past season

Despite those opportunities, Irving has only made 11 appearances for the Hammers over the past season. Now 25, he remains on the fringes, and West Ham now seem ready to cash in.

Ryan Porteous, Andy Irving and Lyndon Dykes of Scotland battle to win a header during a training session at Lesser Hampden on October 08, 2024. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

Irving is a left-footed, composed central midfielder with the height, physicality and athleticism Rodgers often seeks. Comfortable as a deep-lying No.6 or in a more advanced role, he could provide rotation for McGregor now and eventually replace him in that anchor role as the captain’s minutes are managed.

The timing may finally be right

The timing may finally be right. Irving needs regular first-team football to remain in Steve Clarke’s Scotland plans, while Celtic would benefit from adding homegrown quality to meet Champions League squad requirements.

If this long-running link is ever going to materialise, it feels like now is the moment.

Ewan Henderson of Celtic holds off Andy Irving of Hearts during the Scottish Premiership match between Celtic and Hearts at Celtic Park on May 19, 2019. (Photo by Mark Runnacles/Getty Images)

So, whilst it may be one easy at first glance to write off as mere gossip, given Celtic are well stocked for midfielders, it may actually be a rumour with a bit of substance behind it.

Niall J

THE HANGOVER…So better late than never …

Kasper Schmeichel in control as Leighton Clarkson of Aberdeen stretches for the ball during the Scottish Premiership match between Aberdeen and Celtic at Pittodrie on 10 August 2025. Photo Stephen Dobson PSI

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