Celtic late window loan signing preferred to Bayern Munich star despite European giants being 'open' to talks
Celtic had a decision to make on defensive reinforcements
Celtic reportedly turned down a loan transfer pursuit of Bayern Munich right back Sacha Boey in favour of deadline day loan addition Jordan Lotomba.
The Bundesliga champions were ‘open’ to talks with Celtic for their defender but the club opted for Lotomba instead - who they signed on a season-long deal from Dutch side Feyenoord. Swiss international Lotomba, 27, joined Celtic on September 2, which was effectively the club’s deadline day given their European squad submission requirements. Business officially concluded for Scottish teams the following day.
The Hoops had previously shown interest in Boey in 2021 while at Rennes in his native France, however the player chose to leave for Turkish giants Galatasaray instead. Five years later, the shoe appears to be on the other foot. Celtic were looking for reinforcements at right back throughout the transfer window to help provide cover for Alistair Johnston. The Canadian was linked with a move to Everton but is now staying in Glasgow, however he is currently sidelined with a hamstring injury.
New Celt Lotomba preferred to Bayern Munich star
According to CeltsAreHere: “It is understood Celtic did speak with representation regarding the defender and had made it clear how much of his salary they were willing to pay. And we understand Bayern would have had to eat a loss of around £2.7million, which they were willing to do. Ultimately, when it came down to the final decision, Celtic opted to go in a different direction.”
As Celtic looked frantically to bolster their squad ahead of the Europa League squad submission deadline, the recruitment team also completed the loan signing of goalkeeper Sam Johnstone, defender Landon Emenalo, midfielder Oliver Sorenson and striker Shim Mheuka.
O’Neill on Lotomba signing
The defender started his career in Switzerland with Lausanne-Sport and BSC Young Boys before securing a £6m to OGN Nice in Ligue 1. Lotomba spent four years in the south of France before moving to Feyenoord in 2024. He’s made 40 subsequent appearances for the Rotterdam side.
On a hectic final few days of the window for Hoops boss Martin O’Neill, he claimed Lotomba’s ‘experience’ can prove key. The defender has played in the Champions League with both Young Boys and Feyenoord and has eight Switzerland National Team caps to his name.
Upon signing the full back, O’Neill told the club: “I’m really pleased to bring Jordan to Celtic. He is a quick, strong and experienced player. He is adaptable, can play on both sides of the pitch and he is very comfortable on the ball, so I think we are bringing another quality player to the club.”
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