Johnny Kenny – Celtic should strategically develop his value | OneFootball

It seems Bolton Wanderers thought they’d try their luck with Celtic this week, as they looked to grab themselves a bargain. The English League 1 club offered £500,000 for Johnny Kenny, and it appears were knocked back, and I think that’s the right decision.

Johnny Kenny scores in the Scottish Cup final penalty shoot out defeat to Aberdeen. Photo: Vagelis Georgariou

I’ve seen some views, which are understandable, that Celtic should just take the money and move on.

But surely Kenny, a Republic of Ireland U21 international, with UEFA Conference League minutes and goals under his belt. One with goalscoring Scottish Premiership experience now, and with a Scottish Cup final appearance, and the nerve to take and score a penalty in a shootout, is a striker who’s already shown flashes of real promise.

Celtic rightly rebuffed the approach from Bolton, and for good reason.

Johnny Kenny celebrates. Aberdeen 1-5 Celtic. Photo Vagelis Georgariou (The Celtic Star)

Let’s look at the bigger picture. Johnny Kenny arrived at Celtic from Sligo Rovers in 2022 with a reputation as one of Ireland’s brightest attacking prospects. A natural finisher, hungry, pacy, and with a knack for sniffing out chances – everything you want in a project striker. He’s had his technical qualities questioned and that is probably fair, but he’s only just turned 22 this month, and developing. And while he hasn’t nailed down a first team place with Celtic just yet, it’s clear the raw materials are there, if not for Celtic, certainly for the continent, and probably higher than League 1 in England.

His loan spell at Shamrock Rovers showed growth – not just in goals, but in game intelligence and confidence. He also featured in the UEFA Conference League, gaining vital experience against continental opposition – a currency not to be underestimated in today’s transfer market.

Johnny Kenny celebrates. Aberdeen 1-5 Celtic. Photo Vagelis Georgariou (The Celtic Star)

For context, we’re talking about a striker who’s already accustomed to the pressure of expectation at two clubs in Ireland, has European minutes, and has proven he can contribute at a high level domestically. That’s a player with serious upside. If he were English, we’d be talking seven figures without a second thought.

Bolton’s bid isn’t just low it’s arguably a wee bit opportunistic too. They’re gambling that Celtic don’t quite know what they’ve got yet, or we do, and we don’t think he’s going to cut it. I don’t blame them for that opinion, or the lowball offer, it was worth a shot – we do similar in our transfer negotiations.

Rather than offload Johnny Kenny for a cut-price fee, Celtic should be looking to strategically develop his value – and that means another loan, ideally either within the Scottish Premiership’s Top 6, or to a development friendly European league where young, players could be nurtured and appreciated.

Johnny Kenny. theRangers v Celtic, 4 May 2025. Photo Vagelis Georgariou (The Celtic Star)

A stint at an SPFL club, would give him the regular top-flight minutes he needs to hone his game and prove himself against the same opposition Celtic face weekly. Alternatively, a loan to the Dutch Eredivisie or Belgian Pro League – both leagues known for developing young forwards – could sharpen his technical play and boost his profile on the continent.

Just look at how Celtic have played the long game with players like Kristoffer Ajer or Ryan Christie, developed properly, sold for profits. That’s the model. And there’s no reason Kenny couldn’t be next.

Johnny Kenny of Celtic Celtic v Dundee, Celtic Park, 05 February 2025 Photo Stuart Wallace Shutterstock

The reality is simple. Selling Johnny Kenny now for half a million might balance help balance the profit and loss of the summer transfer window transactions, but it’s short-term thinking. With another year of targeted development, regular football, and the right coaching environment, his value could easily double or triple, or more.

Celtic don’t need to sell. But they do need to manage their assets wisely. And Johnny Kenny is still an asset.

Instead, this could be one for Shaun Maloney and his development pathway for Celtic’s youngsters. Even if Brendan Rodgers remains unconvinced or Celtic could cash in now, if we have him nurtured elsewhere, at least for another season, and popped him on an extended contract, he could return first team ready, or if not with a higher market value for re-sale.

Johnny Kenny doing his Celtic debut. Ross County v Celtic in Dingwall. Photo Vagelis Georgariou

We’ve utilised loan deals in the past for players we want to see perform with a view to contributing to the future for Celtic, but we’ve also loaned them out to add a bit more value to their prospective transfer fees.

Perhaps Johnny Kenny, is one for Shaun Maloney’s in-tray come Monday morning, with a view to raising his value, or refining him still further to the point he could have a future at Celtic.

Niall J

Help raise funds for Celtic Youth Academy by playing the Celtic Pools Weekly Lottery and you could win up to £25,000. The lottery is £1 per week. Click on image above to join.

More Stories / Latest News

Johnny Kenny – Celtic should strategically develop his value

Jun 28 2025, 23:04

Celtic’s media output and the massive opportunity being missed

Jun 28 2025, 19:22

Lewis Capaldi’s subtle Celtic tribute during brilliant Glastonbury return

Jun 28 2025, 16:07