Celtic’s striker search continues to drag deep into January, long after the position should have been addressed.
The need was obvious in the summer. It was obvious again when the window opened this month. Two thirds of the way through January, Celtic are still looking.
That is the backdrop to tonight’s development.
German journalist Florian Plettenberg reports that Celtic are in advanced negotiations with Borussia Mönchengladbach over a deal for striker Tomas Cvancara. The 25-year-old has already agreed personal terms, with talks between the clubs focused on final details.
The proposed structure is a loan with an option to buy.
It brings movement after weeks of stagnation. It also reinforces a familiar pattern. Celtic already have one loan player in the building, Julian Araujo from Bournemouth, and this approach again leans towards short-term solutions rather than a firm reset of the squad due to the managerial situation.
Cvancara’s recent career explains why the deal is being shaped this way.
He impressed during his first season at Mönchengladbach after a €10.5m million move from Slavia Prague [Transfer Markt], scoring 19 goals across all competitions in 2023. That campaign established him as a physical, aggressive forward capable of playing at a high level.
This season has been far less convincing.
Injuries interrupted his momentum and consistency has been elusive. A loan spell in Turkey has produced just one goal in 11 Süper Lig appearances, which goes some way to explaining why his parent club are open to a temporary exit.
For Celtic, it is an attempt to access a player with pedigree without committing fully. If Cvancara finds form, there is an option to revisit the deal in the summer. If not, the exposure is limited.
That approach may make sense on paper. On the pitch, it carries risk.
Celtic are not shopping from a position of strength. They are chasing a striker mid-season after failing to act decisively across multiple windows. Loan signings can contribute, but history shows they do not always arrive fully bought in, particularly when their future lies elsewhere.
This Celtic squad has lacked reliability and cutting edge for too long. A temporary fix may ease immediate pressure, but it does not address why the problem was allowed to linger for so long.
If Cvancara completes the move, he will be stepping into a demanding environment where patience is thin and expectation is high. He offers potential upside. He also represents another calculated gamble born from delay rather than design.
That, more than anything, defines Celtic’s January.
