Journalist Scott Burns has reported that Celtic are keeping Damir Redzic in mind as an alternative wide option, but that Fares Ghedjemis remains the club’s first choice as the January window moves toward its closing days. [RecordSport]

The picture is becoming clearer. Celtic are not casting the net widely anymore. They are narrowing focus, weighing cost against impact, and deciding where to push hardest. Burns’ update suggests that while Redzic is firmly on the radar, the priority remains the French winger at Frosinone.

Celtic have already made contact regarding Redzic. The Hungarian international, currently with Dunajská Streda, has been discussed internally and externally. The appeal is obvious. He would come at a lower fee and fits the profile of a direct wide player who can carry the ball and threaten space. On paper, he looks like a deal that could be done quickly if Celtic chose to accelerate.

But that acceleration has not happened yet. And that matters.

Burns’ reporting points to a familiar theme. Celtic are interested, informed, and involved, but not yet decisive. In Redzic’s case, that hesitation could prove costly. Unless Celtic firm up their interest and move beyond background checks and enquiries, the winger is more likely to end up elsewhere. Red Bull Salzburg are waiting, and they are not known for hanging around.

That contrast tells its own story. Salzburg tend to move fast once they decide. Celtic, by comparison, are still balancing options. That balance is shaped by the parallel pursuit of Ghedjemis, who remains the preferred target despite being more expensive.

The Ghedjemis deal has not been straightforward. Talks stalled earlier in the week over valuation, with Frosinone holding out for around £6 million. Celtic were reluctant to meet that number immediately. Since then, Italian sources have suggested confidence that a compromise could still be reached. That belief explains why Celtic have not fully switched lanes.

From a football point of view, the preference makes sense. Ghedjemis is further along in his development. He has been producing regularly in Serie B and carries himself like a player ready to step into a team that expects to dominate possession. His movement off the ball, willingness to run beyond full-backs, and comfort in tight areas suit the way Celtic want to play in domestic games.

Redzic offers something different. He is rawer. He relies more on pace and direct running. That can be useful, especially late in games or in Europe when space opens up. But he would still need time to adjust to Celtic’s demands, both tactically and mentally.

🚨🚨| Red Bull Salzburg wants Damir Redzic.

A verbal agreement has been reached with the player. Transfer fee negotiations are currently difficult. There is also interest from Celtic.

Via: @Sky_EricN pic.twitter.com/CaXeerFG1z

— Hungarian Football Xtra (@HunFootballXtra) January 30, 2026

That difference matters when the schedule is considered. Celtic are not buying for next season alone. They have Europa League knockout matches to prepare for, with added travel and physical load. They also have key league fixtures where control, not chaos, will decide outcomes. A winger who can slot in quickly carries extra value.

Burns’ update also reflects Celtic’s wider approach this window. The club are clearly trying to avoid stacking numbers in one position while leaving others thin. They have already added Tomas Cvancara on loan to bolster the forward line. They are still managing minutes carefully in midfield. Centre-back cover remains tight. Goalkeeping is being watched closely.

Against that backdrop, spending big on one wide player rather than spreading resources across two makes sense. One arrival with a clear role is easier to integrate than two fighting for the same minutes.

That is why Redzic’s situation feels conditional. He is not a fallback in the sense of panic. He is an option if the primary route collapses. If Celtic cannot land Ghedjemis, then Redzic becomes more than a name on a list. Until then, he remains a possibility rather than a push.

The danger, as Burns hints, is timing. Salzburg will not wait forever. If they decide Redzic fits their model, they will move. Celtic then lose an alternative without ever fully committing. That is a risk Celtic appear willing to take because of their belief in the Ghedjemis deal.

Supporters will read this in different ways. Some will see logic. Others will see hesitation. Both reactions are understandable given recent windows. What Burns’ reporting does is strip away some of the noise. Celtic are not chasing everything. They are choosing.

The next few days will reveal whether that choice pays off. If Celtic secure Ghedjemis, Redzic’s path elsewhere will be accepted as part of the process. If they miss out on both, questions will follow about timing and decisiveness.

For now, the message is clear. Redzic is known, discussed, and available. Ghedjemis is wanted more. Celtic are backing one route over the other. Whether that call proves right will be judged very quickly once the window shuts.