Celtic Plotting Raid On Rapid Wien Once Again To Replace Kuhn: ‘Déjà Vu’ For The Celts? | OneFootball

If a report from The Scottish Sun is believed to be true, Celtic have returned to Rapid Wien in the Austrian Bundesliga as they have identified Isak Jansson as the potential replacement for Nicolas Kuhn on the right-hand flank. The German winger plied his trade in Glasgow for a fee of around  £3m, and Jansson, his successor in Vienna, could now follow the same route, coincidentally for a similar valuation this summer.

The 23-year-old Sweden youth international progressed through the academy ranks of Kinna IF, Skene IF and Kalmar FF back in his homeland. He also had first-team experience with Skene in the fifth tier before securing a key role for Kalmar in the top tier of Swedish football.

Meanwhile, the youngster travelled abroad in August 2022 to join FC Cartagena in the Segunda División. But he only spent one-and-a-half years in Spain, as Rapid came calling in the aftermath of Kuhn’s Parkhead transfer. After an impressive loan stint in the second half of the 2023-24 season, the Austrian heavyweights tied him down permanently for a minuscule €250k fee a year ago.

VIENNA, AUSTRIA – MARCH 13: Isak Jansson controls the ball whilst under pressure from Sebastijan Herera of FK Borac during the UEFA Conference League 2024/25 Round of 16 Second Leg match between SK Rapid and FK Borac at Weststadion on March 13, 2025 in Vienna, Austria. (Photo by Christian Hofer/Getty Images)

With 9 goals and 6 assists in 33 appearances, Jansson showcased his flair and finesse throughout the previous campaign [stats via Transfermarket], and therefore, has caught the eyes of Celtic, who raided Rapid a few times in the recent past. Before Kuhn, Boli Bolingoli was brought in as Kieran Tierney’s replacement. Although the left fullback had a forgettable spell, the Hoops continue to scout the Green-Whites in search of emerging prospects.

Why Jansson Could Flourish As A Utility Option For Celtic

Jansson started as a right-winger but primarily featured from the left at Allianz Stadion. He has also been deployed as a centre-forward, and therefore, the versatility he offers across the frontline would boost Brendan Rodgers’ firepower. Jota’s long-term knee injury has already decimated them upfront, and the growing interest in Yang Hyun-jun might force the gaffer to make a difficult decision.

Kuhn’s high-profile £17m move to Como should occur in due time, which highlights the necessity of attacking reinforcements without compromising quality. Celtic have already snapped up Benjamin Nygren from Nordsjælland, and the Sweden international appears to be a more like-for-like alternative for Kuhn.

Jansson, who played alongside Nygren in the UEFA European Under-21 Championship Qualifiers in 2022, could challenge and cover his fellow compatriot down the right. But he is likely to operate from the other flank, considering James Forrest’s availability. His arrival would ease the pressure on Daizen Maeda; however, wrapping up a deal won’t be easy as the Bhoys must fend off interest from Lazio, Fiorentina and Paris FC to sign the young talent.