Celtic explore Cancellieri move as Maeda medical completed at Ipswich
Former striker Chris Sutton criticises the timing and valuation of the outgoing forward’s transfer to the Premier League.
Celtic are actively exploring a deal to sign Lazio winger Matteo Cancellieri, positioning the Italian international as a primary replacement for Daizen Maeda. The move comes shortly after Maeda completed a medical at Ipswich Town, signalling a prospective transfer to the Premier League. The Scottish champions are now assessing their attacking options as they prepare for the upcoming season.
The departure of Maeda has drawn sharp criticism from within the club’s historical ranks. Former Celtic striker Chris Sutton described the reported £8 million fee, which could rise to £10 million, as trivial. Sutton further labelled the decision to sell the forward prior to the club’s Champions League qualifier as "utter baffling", raising questions about the timing of the exit relative to European commitments.
While the Cancellieri negotiations are underway, the Glasgow club’s recruitment network remains active across Europe. Reports indicate that Bodo/Glimt are seeking an £8 million valuation for striker Kasper Hogh, who has been linked with a move to Parkhead. Similarly, Paderborn are reportedly holding out for a significant fee for midfielder Mika Baur, another name connected with the squad.
Further south, Hungarian champions Gyori ETO have hinted at a willingness to sell midfielder Milan Vitalis. The player was previously linked with both Celtic and Rangers in May, suggesting a continued interest in his profile. These developments underscore a broader strategy to reshape the squad’s technical and attacking capabilities.
Beyond the immediate transfer targets, the Scottish football landscape is seeing significant movement. Former Rangers captain James Tavernier is in talks with MLS side Charlotte, while former Rangers head coach Danny Rohl has stated a prior interest in Scotland striker Lawrence Shankland. Meanwhile, Charlton Athletic are preparing an improved offer for Lyndon Dykes, and Rotherham United are targeting Bruce Anderson following his contract expiry at Kilmarnock.
In coaching circles, Scottish set-piece coach Austin McPhee is set to leave Aston Villa to join Chelsea. At the highest level of European football, Real Madrid remain confident of securing the signature of Rodri. These shifts highlight the fluid nature of player and staff movement across the continent as clubs adjust their structures for the forthcoming campaign.
