It seems the transfer window can always be relied upon for one thing – the reappearance of long-dormant rumours dressed up as breaking news…
David Strelec of Slovan during the 5th round of Championship group of the Nike liga match between SK Slovan Bratislava and DAC Dunajska Streda. Bratislava, Slovakia, April 12, 2025. Photo by Branislav Racko
This week, Voetbalprimeur, a Dutch football publication, published a feature outlining ten potential striker targets Ajax could consider as they prepare for life beyond Brian Brobbey and Chuba Akpom. In that list was a familiar name for Celtic fans with a sharp memory: David Strelec.
Some will recall Strelec as the striker who briefly caught Celtic’s eye
Some will recall Strelec as the striker who briefly caught the eye during Celtic’s 5-1 dismantling of Slovan Bratislava on Champions League Matchday One. Even then, it wasn’t so much his overall performance, but perhaps his profile – young, international pedigree, and modest success back in Slovakia – that might have had Celtic’s recruitment team doing their due diligence.
Leroy Sane of Bayern Munich runs with the ball from David Strelec of SK Slovan Bratislava during the UEFA Champions League match between FC Bayern München and SK Slovan Bratislava at Football Arena Munich on January 29, 2025 in Munich, Germany. (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images)
And when Kyogo was sold to Rennes in the final days of January, Strelec’s name was indeed mentioned as one of many potential late-window solutions to fill a striking void.
But that January interest, as we all know, never progressed. Strelec, while productive back in his homeland with 25 goals and eight assists last season for Slovan Bratislava, hadn’t yet convinced as a player capable of stepping straight into a side with Champions League ambitions.
The recycled headline doing the rounds this week
Which brings us to the recycled headline doing the rounds this week – that Celtic are once again in for David Strelec. On the surface, it sounds like a new development. Dig deeper, and it quickly becomes clear it’s nothing of the sort.
The only ‘link’ back to Celtic stems from a paragraph in Voetbalprimeur’s article, a purely speculative suggestion among a list of ten names for Ajax to look at as replacements for Brian Brobbey – and also Chuba Akpom.
There is no reporting of new contact from Celtic, no quotes from agents or any fresh sources, and no indication that Strelec himself is pushing for a move. In fact, the mention of Celtic is more of a reference point than a reveal – a case of “he was once on Celtic’s radar” rather than “Celtic are back in for him.”
Jeff Chabot of VfB Stuttgart battles for possession with David Strelec of SK Slovan Bratislava during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD7 match between SK Slovan Bratislava and VfB Stuttgart at on January 21, 2025 in Bratislava, Slovakia. (Photo by Christian Hofer/Getty Images)
Strelec is a player of potential
And there’s nothing wrong with that. Football writers love a good shortlist, and Strelec, by all accounts, fits the bill of a player clubs across Europe might look at if they’re in need of a physical, penalty-box striker. But let’s not mistake creative or lazy journalism for a genuine transfer update.
Strelec is a player of potential. His finishing instincts are good, he plays with intelligence in the final third, and his goal and assist numbers last season can’t be ignored. But there are question marks too – limited technical ability, struggles with pressing responsibilities, and a mixed track record in tougher leagues like Serie A.
He might be worth a gamble for someone, but as of now, there’s no evidence that Celtic are the ones rolling the dice.
FUTURE HEADLINE…
So, Celtic fans, don’t let the headline fool you. Strelec may once have been considered during a frantic January window, but this week’s story is more of a reheat than a revelation. That can change of course but for now it seems neither Ajax or Celtic are in the market for Strelec just yet at least...”Ajax or Celtic, who will blink first in Strelec standoff?”….
Niall J
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I do not understand Rodger’s , he keeps talking about midfield , wingers and a striker which Celtic seem already have an abundance of ?
It is clear to me a life long Celtic fan , that these are not the areas for concern , the center half position is crying out for a revamp , not a young prospect , but an experienced player to control the defence , they talk about Europe , if the think that defence is going to take us to Europe , they are deloude, unless Rodger’s does not look at the defence only the attacking half , all good teams have a spine , goalkeeper , centre half’s , striker , something Celtic lack , do not renew your passport as we will not be going far in Europe unless someone sits up and comes into the real world