Celtic’s pursuit of Real Valladolid winger Raúl Moro appears to have been derailed after the player sustained a fractured collarbone…

This unfortunate injury is expected to keep the talented winger sidelined for approximately three months, effectively taking him out of the January transfer window equation. Both Celtic and Dutch giants Ajax had been linked with a move for the highly-rated 22-year-old, who is valued at around £8.5 million.
Moro, a product of Lazio’s youth system, has been making waves in La Liga’s Segunda Division with Real Valladolid. Known for his pace, dribbling, and ability to create opportunities from wide positions, he was seen as a potential game-changer for Celtic. However, this injury setback has left the Hoops reconsidering their options, as they cannot afford to invest in a player who will be unavailable for a significant portion of the season.
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A Blow to Celtic’s Transfer Plans
The timing of Moro’s injury couldn’t be worse for Celtic. With manager Brendan Rodgers looking to strengthen his squad ahead of a crucial second half of the season, the addition of a dynamic winger was high on the agenda. Moro’s technical skills and versatility—he can operate on either flank or as an attacking midfielder—made him an ideal candidate to bolster Celtic’s attacking options.
However, the injury has raised questions about whether Celtic will revisit their interest in the summer or move on to other targets. Given the club’s need for immediate reinforcements, the latter seems more likely. Rodgers has emphasised the importance of having a fully fit squad to compete on multiple fronts, including the Scottish Premiership and European campaigns.
Other Potential Signings for Celtic
As the Moro deal appears to be off the table, Celtic are actively exploring other options in the transfer market and are set to pull off a sensational return to the club former fans favourite Jota, who should be unveiled this afternoon. The January window provides an opportunity to address key areas of the squad, and the club has already been linked with several potential signings.
Daniel Cummings: A Rising Star

One of the most intriguing prospects on Celtic’s radar is Daniel Cummings, a prolific youth striker who has caught the attention of Premier League clubs such as West Ham and Brighton. The 19-year-old has scored an impressive 24 goals in as many games at the B Team level this season, making him a hot commodity in the transfer market. Celtic are keen to tie him down to a long-term deal, but they face stiff competition from English clubs with deeper pockets.
Álex Valle: A Possible Departure

While Celtic are looking to bring in fresh talent, they may also lose one of their own. Spanish defender Álex Valle, who has been a reliable presence in the backline, is reportedly close to finalising a move to Italian side Como. If Valle departs, it will leave a gap in the squad that Rodgers will need to address before the window closes. Maybe Kieran Tierney’s return on a six month loan deal in addition to his pre-contract agreement to re-join Celtic on a permanent basis in the summer will soften the blow of Valle heading to Como.

Reinforcing the Wings
With Moro no longer an immediate option and Jota coming back, Celtic are likely to shift their focus to signing another winger. One name that has been floated is Croatian international Luka Ivanusec, who currently plays for Dinamo Zagreb. Ivanusec’s ability to score and assist from wide positions makes him a strong candidate to fill the void in Celtic’s attack.
Strengthening the Midfield and attack
Celtic have also been linked with moves to bolster their midfield. Reports suggest that the club is monitoring the situation of English midfielder Scott Twine, currently at Burnley. Twine’s creativity and set-piece prowess could add a new dimension to Celtic’s midfield, especially in tight games where unlocking defences is crucial.

With Jota arriving from Rennes and striker Kyogo going in the other direction there is no doubt that Brendan Rodgers will be looking at adding a new striker to his squad in the next week. The most likely candidate at the moment is Brondby striker
Mathias Kvistgaarden but there will be others that Rodgers is considering seriously.
The Importance of a Strong January Window
The January transfer window is often seen as a make-or-break period for clubs with high ambitions, and Celtic are no exception. With a packed fixture schedule and the need to maintain their dominance in the Scottish Premiership, the Hoops cannot afford to miss out on key signings. The failure to secure Moro’s services is undoubtedly a setback, but it also highlights the unpredictable nature of the transfer market.

Brendan Rodgers and the recruitment team will need to act swiftly and decisively to bring in players who can make an immediate impact. The focus will likely remain on adding a top class striker plus looking at additional quality in the wide areas on top of Jota, and also reinforcing the defence and midfield. With competition from domestic and European rivals, Celtic must balance ambition with prudence to ensure long-term success.
Looking Ahead

While the Raúl Moro deal may not materialise in this window, it’s not necessarily the end of Celtic’s interest in the player. If Moro recovers well and continues to impress at Valladolid, the club could reignite their pursuit in the summer. For now, however, the focus shifts to identifying alternative targets who can help the team achieve its goals this season.
If Celtic bring in Jota, Kieran Tierney and a top class replacement for Kyogo then no Celtic supporter is likely to be anything other than delighted with this January window. And many would rather wait for Raúl Moro in the summer than shop from further down Celtic’s list of potential wingers in the remaining days of the transfer window.