The other day we brought you news of Celtic’s interest in Portuguese left-back Flàvio Nazinho, and we brought you some background on the player and what he could bring to Celtic — and now, there is also a report from Belgium, which looks promising.
Pre season photo call Cercle Brugge – Jupiler Pro League BRUGGE, BELGIUM – JULY 08 : Nazinho Flavio defender pictured during the pre season photo call of Cercle Brugge prior to the Jupiler Pro League 2024 – 2025 season on July 8, 2025 in Brugge, Belgium, 08/07/2025 Brugge Belgium. Peter De Voecht
Belgian outlet HLN is reporting that Nazinho is set to swap Cercle Brugge for Celtic, with a move to Glasgow described as ‘high on Celtic’s wishlist’.
‘Nazinho (Cercle Brugge) on his way to Celtic
After Felipe Augusto, whose transfer to Trabzonspor has yet to be completed, Cercle Brugge is also in danger of losing Flàvio Nazinho in the short term.
The Portuguese left-back is high on Celtic Glasgow’s wish list after his excellent U21 European Championship. The Scots recently saw Greg Taylor leave for PAOK Saloniki and have set their sights on Nazinho as backup for Kieran Tierney.
Nazinho played two seasons at Cercle, who first loaned him from Sporting Lisbon and then bought him permanently for 1 million euros with a contract until 2028.’
ZILINA – Milion Manhoef of Holland U21, U 21 Flavio Nazinho of Portugal U21, Paulo Bernardo of Portugal U21 l-r at the MSK Zilina Stadium during the quarterfinal European Championship, EM, Europameisterschaft under-21 duel between Portugal and Jong Oranje. ANP netherlands out – belgium out Zilina
Though Cercle Brugge struggled last term, Nazinho was a standout, notching two goals and six assists across 39 appearances, including a string of impressive displays in the UEFA Conference League.
After losing Greg Taylor to PAOK and with Kieran Tierney’s return also demanding some squad depth, as Brendan Rodgers has confirmed Tierney’s minutes will be managed carefully this season, a dynamic, attack-minded full-back like Nazinho makes total sense.
Omari Hutchinson of England battles for the ball with Flavio Nazinho and Diogo Nascimento of Portugal during the Men’s U21 international match between England and Portugal at The Hawthorns on March 24, 2025 in West Bromwich, England. (Photo by Dan Istitene/Getty Images)
He’s quick, direct, comfortable on the ball, and brings that modern full-back flair that Brendan Rodgers tends to demand from his wide defenders. He’ll come in as a backup option for Tierney — but he’ll also will fancy his chances of pushing for minutes.
Nazinho was originally on loan from Sporting CP, who let him go permanently for €1 million. A modest fee at the time, and one that’s now set to give Cercle a tidy profit.
No exact figure has been mentioned regarding what Celtic may be paying, but you’d imagine it’ll still be decent value — particularly in today’s inflated market.
It’s also worth noting that Sporting retain a 15% sell-on clause, which suggests they rated the player but couldn’t find a place for him in their own first-team plans. Their loss could be very much our gain.
Flavio Nazinho of Sporting CP before the start of the Cinco Violinos Trophy match between Sporting CP and Sevilla FC at Estadio Jose Alvalade on July 24, 2022 in Lisbon, Portugal. (Photo by Gualter Fatia/Getty Images)
With pre-season well underway now, Rodgers will be eager to bed Nazinho in quickly, so hopefully a deal could be done quickly. Though Tierney’s return has rightly made headlines, the need for proper depth at left back is paramount — especially with Champions League football on the horizon and a demanding domestic campaign ahead.
In short, this looks potentially like a smart, forward-thinking move by the club — a player with potential, resale value, and the tools to make a real impact at Celtic. It will be interesting to see how this transfer link develops.
Niall J
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Believe a transfer when they are pictured at Paradise in a Celtic shirt. Clickbait
Totally agree , the lack of transfer movement is astounding and lack of our faith in this bunch of bankers on the celtic fc board speaks volumes, we all know what their agenda is full their boots and get their heads in the trough right up to their fat gready little necks
Such a player Is a requirement, especially with Tierney injury record. We used a high rotational policy in the position last season, and believe it will be required again this season. Don’t believe hayato will gain a place in the finalised 25man squad imo. But still a requirement for a Scottish campaign, if Tierney suffers any long term injury, especially if a rotational policy is going to be used in the full backs area’s?
Makes sense to be looking at the position, doesn’t make sense on why waiting so long to get it sorted, especially when Such a situation was in operation, at the end of last season?