Andy Halliday has offered insight into the growing Celtic transfer talk around Motherwell winger Tawanda Maswanhise following Martin O’Neill’s scouting trip to Fir Park on Saturday.
The Motherwell midfielder spoke openly about Celtic’s current position in the market and how that affects valuations across the league.
Celtic’s interest in Maswanhise has intensified after O’Neill and his coaching staff were pictured watching Motherwell’s Scottish Cup win over Ross County. The 23-year-old attacker scored the winning goal that afternoon and has been one of the standout performers in the Premiership this season.
With the January window entering its final stretch, Celtic remain without a new striker despite clear need. That pressure has not gone unnoticed by clubs across Scotland, particularly those holding players who fit Celtic’s current requirements.
Halliday believes that situation changes the dynamic of any negotiation. He also feels Scottish clubs are now far more confident about holding firm on valuations, especially when dealing with Celtic or Rangers during a window where urgency is obvious.
He said: (Clyde 1 Superscoreboard), “I think clubs just now know Celtic are desperate for a striker and Celtic could potentially be held to ransom with whoever they go for. Is there then a panic buy situation?
“I always felt Celtic would probably get definitely one but probably two strikers: one who is a short term option they can get on loan until the end of the season.
“I can’t see it being that difficult to find one and then potentially another one that could be a longer term success.
“It starts with a four for me.
“I can only go off the fact I’m hearing £6.5million for Kieran Bowie and that’s probably the figure being banded about by Hibs.
“But I think if you are the top goalscorer in the league, and I’ve said this about clubs in our country outside Celtic and Rangers, I think gone are the days when they are selling their assets for pennies.
“Look at the fee Lennon Miller just went for in the summer. I know he’s a different type of prospect.”
Halliday’s comments show how the Scottish market has shifted in recent seasons. Clubs outside the traditional power base are no longer willing to accept cut-price deals, especially for players delivering consistently at Premiership level.
Maswanhise fits that category. He has produced goals, energy, and big moments consistently for Motherwell, and his importance to the team has only grown as the season has progressed. That status gives Motherwell leverage if serious bids arrive.
Celtic’s position makes any move more complicated. The club’s need for a striker is widely acknowledged, and time is becoming a factor with key league fixtures approaching. That urgency reduces flexibility and strengthens the hand of selling clubs.
The reference to Lennon Miller’s recent transfer is also telling. That deal changed expectations around what Scottish teams can command, even before reaching full senior international level. It has set a benchmark that others will point to in negotiations.
For Celtic, this creates a narrow path. They must improve the squad quickly while avoiding inflated fees that could limit future planning. Each delay increases the risk of being forced into decisions rather than making controlled ones.
O’Neill’s presence at Fir Park has only added to the scrutiny. Even routine scouting trips now carry meaning because of the situation Celtic find themselves in. Every appearance, every comment, and every rumour is being weighed carefully.
Halliday’s comments reflect a wider reality facing Celtic. The days of quick, low-cost domestic deals are fading, replaced by tougher talks and firmer valuations. That reality shapes the final weeks of the window.
Whether Celtic decide to push hard for Maswanhise or look elsewhere remains to be seen. What is clear is that any move will come at a price that reflects both performance and market pressure.
As the clock continues to tick, Celtic’s margin for error shrinks. The next decisions could define not just the rest of the window, but the direction of their season.
