Celtic’s pursuit of striker Louis Munteanu could be reignited in January, with the Romanian striker’s valuation shifting dramatically since the summer window collapsed.
That stance priced the Scottish champions out of the move and pushed negotiations to a halt.
Now, with the winter window approaching, the picture looks very different. Cluj are understood to be willing to consider a sale at around €10 million (£8.7 million), only £1.8 million more than Celtic’s summer offer.
That reduction reflects not a drop-off in form but a financial softening from the Romanian side, who may be more open to cashing in mid-season.
Munteanu’s on-pitch output since the window closed only strengthens the case for revisiting the deal.
The striker has hit two goals and provided six assists in nine matches, showing his influence stretches well beyond finishing. Even on quieter scoring days, his movement and creativity continue to carve out opportunities, reinforcing the impression that he is developing into a far more rounded attacking threat.
Celtic watched him closely in the summer and are well aware of what he offers.
With Wilfried Nancy now shaping his squad, and with a mid-season spark potentially required, the revised asking price puts Munteanu back in a bracket the club may consider seriously.
Cluj chairman Iuliu Mureșan said: (Digi Sport), “What if we had an offer of 10 million?
“Yes, I would say it’s good for him to leave, but the owner makes the decision.
“Under the patronage of Nelutu Varga, the club won five titles. The club performed through its investments, we must thank him for that.
“We can’t give the whole team. If we sell one or two for the right amount, we stop. If we take 10 million for Louis, maybe we won’t sell anything else.”
The comments mark a clear shift from Cluj’s stance during the summer.
Back then, any suggestion of Munteanu leaving was met with firm resistance unless a bid reached well into eight-figure territory. Now, the acknowledgement that €10 million would be viewed as a fair offer indicates the internal discussion has changed, and Celtic will be aware of that as they assess January options.
From a footballing perspective, Munteanu offers attributes that fit comfortably within Celtic’s attacking structure: pace in transition, sharp combinations around the box, and a habit of drawing defenders out of shape.
His assist numbers this season highlight a different dimension to his play, one that could support the forwards already at the club rather than simply compete with them.
There is also the reality that his form has not dipped since the failed move.
If anything, his productivity has increased, suggesting he has handled the disappointment constructively. That mentality may appeal as much as his technical qualities, particularly to a manager looking for players capable of influencing high-tempo, possession-driven football.
What happens next will hinge partly on Cluj’s internal decision-making and partly on how Celtic choose to approach the market under Nancy.
But unlike in the summer, the gap between valuation and affordability is no longer vast. A striker who once appeared out of reach now sits within a price range Celtic have shown they are willing to stretch to for the right profile.
The player’s form, the adjusted fee, and the club’s evolving requirements all point toward a potential re-engagement, and this time, the chances of progress look far stronger.
And this is the player thats causing all these protests i just think some supporters are feeling neclected board are not paid to pamper big egos we know the two that forgot what they are there for and got personal