Celtic’s Johnny Kenny makes loan move to Bolton Wanderers

Bolton Wanderers finally got their man after being left frustrated in the summer this time it was a case of second time lucky as Johnny Kenny put pen to paper on a loan deal from Celtic for the rest of this season…

Johnny Kenny of Celtic and Nicolo Casale of Bologna, Bologna v Celtic, UEFA Europa League, Renato Dall Ara Stadium, Bologna, Italy – 22 January 2026. Photo Michael Zemanek Shutterstock

The 22 year old Irish striker has made an impact of sorts at Celtic this season with a highlight goal being against theRangers in the Premier Sports Cup semi-final victory.

With the recent arrival of Tomas Cvancara, Kelechi Iheanacho returning the squad after injury and the deadline day signing of Junior Adamu, Johnny Kenny’s chances of first team football had decreased significantly.

Johnny Kenny of Celtic celebrates scoring the opening goal during the Scottish Cup Fourth Round match between Auchinleck Talbot and Celtic at Rugby Park on January 18, 2026. (Photo by WM Sport Media/Getty Images)

Bolton head coach Steven Schumacher hd this to say about bringing Kenny in from Celtic ahead of the 7pm deadline in the English transfer window.

“We’re delighted to have signed Johnny to continue a really strong month. He is a player who we rate very highly and is someone we identified last summer as someone who would really strengthen our attacking options,” Schumacher said.

He added: “He has since played regularly and scored goals at a high level so will be a big addition for us. We didn’t think he would be available during this window but once we were made aware Celtic would allow him to leave on loan, we acted really quickly to get the deal done.”

Johnny Kenny also spoke to the official Bolton Wanderers website, expressing his happiness at getting the move done today.

“I knew there had been an interest and Bolton reached out to me a lot during the summer, but I wanted to give Celtic a crack I think I have in the last six months. But I’m happy to be here now.

Johnny Kenny opens the scoring. Celtic v Kilmarnock, Scottish Premiership Celtic Park, 9 November 2025. Photo Mark Runnacles IMAGO /Shutterstock

“I want to bring in that winning mentality to the squad because if we win as much as possible, we’ll get to where we want to be and that’s ultimately the aim. I hope to bring goals, work-rate and just help the team all round and I think if I can bring the level I can bring, we can get to where we want to,” Johnny Kenny added.

Best of luck to Johnny down at Bolton.

Your new number 9⃣ 🙌#bwfc pic.twitter.com/UucvZSS8kv

— Bolton Wanderers (@OfficialBWFC) February 2, 2026

Johnny Kenny has joined Bolton Wanderers on loan until the end of the season.

Best of luck, Johnny!#CelticFC🍀 https://t.co/ZBFB11fxUk pic.twitter.com/12nVpfTfL1

— Celtic Football Club (@CelticFC) February 2, 2026