Celtic-Linked Elliot Watt Set for Exit After SFA Ban

By
Michael Shearer
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30th December 2025; Fir Park, Motherwell, Scotland; Scottish Premiership Football, Motherwell versus Celtic; Elliot Watt of Motherwell celebrates after he shoots and scores in the 58th minute to make it 2-0

Celtic-linked Elliot Watt appears to be closing in on a move to Samsunspor after fresh claims from Turkey suggested the Motherwell midfielder’s transfer is set to be confirmed.

Turkish journalist Reşat Can Özbudak, who previously reported that Samsunspor had made an official offer for Watt, has now indicated that the deal is almost complete.

Neither Motherwell nor Samsunspor have announced the move, so the transfer cannot yet be treated as complete. However, Özbudak’s latest update suggests the 26-year-old is now close to leaving Fir Park.

Watt’s future has been the subject of growing discussion this summer after he emerged as a target for the Turkish club.

 

He had also previously been linked with Celtic following an impressive spell in Motherwell’s midfield, although there was never any confirmation that the Hoops had submitted a formal offer.

The midfielder built his reputation through his passing range and ability to dictate play from deeper areas. Those performances were enough to attract interest, but Samsunspor now look to have moved furthest in their attempts to sign him.

The latest transfer claim comes shortly after Watt was handed a four-match suspension by the Scottish FA.

He admitted breaching Disciplinary Rule 72 after reacting to Celtic’s late penalty at Fir Park during the closing stages of last season.

Kelechi Iheanacho scored from the spot deep into stoppage time after referee John Beaton reviewed Sam Nicholson’s aerial challenge with Auston Trusty.

Watt later described the call as “the worst VAR decision in history” on social media.

Motherwell were also fined £5,000 over their own public response to the incident, while Watt’s punishment took effect immediately.

13h May 2026; Fir Park, Motherwell, Scotland; Scottish Premiership Football, Motherwell versus Celtic; Callum McGregor of Celtic speaks to referee John Beaton as he is instructed by VAR to go to the monitor

A move abroad could now bring an end to his time in Scottish football before the new domestic campaign gets fully underway.

For Celtic, the development is worth noting due to the previous transfer links, but there has been no recent indication that the club planned to revive any interest.

Samsunspor instead appear to have taken control of the situation, with Özbudak now expecting his earlier information to be followed by an official announcement.