A look at Celtic’s striking options heading into this summer’s transfer window

This article is written by guest writer, Aidan Connor, who’s work you may have already seen on the Celtic Way, and The Cynic.

Celtic’s striking options heading into next season feel like a mixture of promise, uncertainty, and outright question marks.

And for a club aiming to dominate domestically and compete in Europe, that balance is not ideal.

There are moments of quality, but not enough certainty.

Not yet anyway.

Callum Osmand has been one of the few genuine positives.

His goal against R*****s instantly changed the conversation around him.

That is what big moments at Celtic do.

They raise expectations quickly.

But the real question is whether Osmand can repeat that level consistently.

One goal does not define a striker’s future at this club.

Next season will decide if he is a moment player or a reliable option.

Right now, he feels best used carefully.

Not as a weekly starter.

More a developing squad option who can grow over time.

Fourth choice feels realistic for now.

Johnny Kenny, on the other hand, looks like a decision already made in all but name.

His time at Celtic has not developed as expected.

And heading into next season, it is difficult to see his pathway in a serious title-chasing squad.

At this level, Celtic cannot carry forwards those who are not pushing for starts.

So his spell looks like it is coming to an end. Kelechi Iheanacho is the key figure in all of this.

He brings experience, intelligence, and a different attacking profile.

He can drop deeper, link play, and operate as a false nine when required.

That flexibility is exactly what Celtic have lacked.

There is a strong argument he is the striker who gets Celtic over the line.

Especially in tight domestic games right now. But he cannot play every week.

Which means Celtic need structure around him, not dependence on him.

Adamu is also expected to move on. One goal, even a crucial one, is not enough at this level.

The contribution mattered in isolation, but overall output has not matched expectations.

It feels like a natural exit is coming.

Cvancara is perhaps the most frustrating case.

He has produced moments, including the winning penalty against Rangers and involvement in key phases like the Araujo winner at Kilmarnock.

But that is the issue.

Moments, not momentum.

Too inconsistent to be trusted as a first-choice striker.

Too unreliable to build around long-term.

That leads to the biggest issue.

Celtic are not just missing one striker.

They are missing two profiles.

First, an out-and-out goalscorer.

A Kyogo-type forward. Sharp movement, constant threat, ruthless inside the box.

Second, a physical, aggressive striker.

A Giakoumakis-type profile.

Someone who can hold play up, battle defenders, and deal with deep blocks.

Especially in Europe.

But that then raises another question entirely.

Do we actually trust the Celtic scouting and recruitment structure to identify and deliver two quality strikers of that level?

Recent windows have shown mixed results at best.

And this is not an area where “nearly right” is good enough.

So attention naturally turns to possible targets.

Braga at Hearts has been mentioned in as a forward option, a player who fits the profile Celtic are missing. Maswanhise at Motherwell is another name gaining attention.

Raw, direct, and unpredictable, but still developing.

Armando González at Chivas offers something different.

Technically sharp, mobile, and still early in his career in Mexico.

Evan Ferguson at Brighton is the standout name.

A proven talent with physical presence and Premier League experience.

But realistically, he would be the hardest deal of all to complete and injuries have been a significant issue.

So the structure becomes clear.

Iheanacho stays as the senior option.

Osmand develops as a squad player.

Kenny moves on.

Adamu and Cvancara depart.

Celtic must bring in two new strikers.

One clinical finisher.

One physical presence.

Without that balance, to see Celtic challenging on all fronts next season will be difficult.

Proven quality is needed this Summer.

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