Celtic and Rangers navigate complex transfer window amid European qualification
Kasper Hogh nears move to Parkhead while Daizen Maeda and Danilo prepare for departures to England and Brazil respectively.
Celtic are in advanced discussions to sign Bodo/Glimt striker Kasper Hogh, with the 25-year-old Danish forward reportedly close to finalising a transfer to the Scottish champions. The move follows talks between the clubs regarding the player, who carries a reported valuation of £7m. Hogh was named as an unused substitute for Bodo/Glimt during their 3-0 victory over HamKam on Thursday, marking the latest development in a pursuit that has reportedly been underway since January.
Concurrently, Celtic are facilitating the departure of forward Daizen Maeda to Ipswich Town. The 28-year-old Japanese international arrived in London on Thursday to undergo a medical ahead of a transfer valued at £10m. His exit from Parkhead is expected to be formally confirmed on Friday, aligning with the completion of his medical assessments in the English capital.
In parallel developments at Ibrox, Rangers striker Danilo has arrived in Brazil to finalise a loan move to Botafogo. The 27-year-old is scheduled to undergo a medical on Friday to complete the arrangement, further reshaping the squad ahead of their European commitments. These movements highlight the active management of player contracts and squad composition across the Scottish Premiership as clubs prepare for the upcoming season.
Beyond these immediate transactions, Celtic’s recruitment activity extends to several other targets. The club has submitted a £4m offer for Paderborn midfielder Mika Baur, though the Bundesliga side prefers to allow the 22-year-old to leave for free in the following summer rather than accept a fee below their valuation. Interest has also been expressed in Lazio players Gustav Isaksen and Matteo Cancellieri, while goalkeeper Dinko Horkas remains linked with a move, with Las Palmas seeking more than £4.3m plus a sell-on clause.
The wider transfer landscape sees significant interest from English clubs in Scottish talent. West Ham United are monitoring Celtic midfielder Reo Hatate and Rangers defender John Souttar, alongside Leicester City’s Harry Souttar. Meanwhile, domestic moves include Forest Green Rovers expecting a record fee for Laurent Mendy to Heart of Midlothian, and ongoing, albeit financially complex, talks regarding Aberdeen’s interest in Jadel Katongo.
