Celtic Linked with Former West Brom Defender

It’s no secret Celtic need players through the door before the new season gets underway.

The transfer window opened on June 15 and runs until September 3, but there has still been no official announcement of a new signing. There is time left, but with pre-season now underway, supporters are looking for signs of movement.

Martin O’Neill must be backed if Celtic are to strengthen a squad that could yet lose key players before the deadline.

Daizen Maeda’s recent comments have only added to the uncertainty surrounding his future, while Arne Engels continues to attract interest from elsewhere. If either player moves on, replacing that quality becomes another major task for the club.

Defensively, there is still work to be done as well.

According to journalist Pete O’Rourke, Celtic and Rangers are among the clubs monitoring former West Brom defender Michael Parker during this transfer window.

Celtic and Rangers are among multiple clubs keeping tabs on former West Brom defender Michael Parker following his impressive form at Orgryte IS. Anderlecht, Udinese and Strasbourg are also keen on the defender. #Celtic #Rangers #Orgryte pic.twitter.com/eheTS3unwl

— Pete O’Rourke (@SportsPeteO) June 30, 2026

Parker left West Brom in February to join Swedish side Orgryte IS after coming through the Midlands club’s academy.

Standing at around 6ft 4in, the 21-year-old is a centre-back who can also operate at left-back. He featured 10 times in Sweden’s top flight and is now being linked with a return to the UK after only a few months overseas.

He also spent time on loan at Hereford last season, with his game time spread across Sweden, the National League North and Premier League 2 football. Across those competitions, Parker made 36 appearances during the last campaign.

There is no doubt the defender has attributes that will catch the eye, particularly his physical presence and versatility. The bigger question is whether he is ready to contribute at Celtic.

Martin O’Neill already has Cameron Carter-Vickers, Liam Scales, Auston Trusty and Dane Murray available in central defence. With competition there, Parker would arrive with limited senior experience and would have to make a significant step up if a move materialised.

That makes this one feel more like a long-term project than an immediate solution.

Celtic supporters are waiting for concrete transfer business rather than another name on a scouting list. With the first pre-season friendly against Shelbourne just around the corner, attention is turning towards who will actually be available when the serious work begins.