Celtic 'set sights' on summer transfer for 17 cap international midfielder with 'clubs across Europe watching'
The latest Celtic transfer news has them reportedly looking at Brazil where a international star is attracting interest from clubs across Europe.
There are just two rounds of fixtures remaining before the Scottish Premiership split as Celtic, Rangers and Hearts head for a three way title fight.
The Hoops face Dundee at Dens Park next followed by the visit of St Mirren to Celtic Park while their Glasgow rivals have Dundee United at home and then Falkirk away. League leaders Hearts head to Livingston and then welcome Motherwell to Tynecastle.
Regardless of how the season ends, supporters want to see Celtic strengthen their ranks in the summer transfer window. Now, an international midfielder with hopes of playing in this summer’s FIFA World Cup has reportedly ‘emerged’ as a possible target for the Hoops.
International midfielder with FIFA World Cup hopes ‘emerges’ as possible Celtic summer signing
Per a report from Football insider, Celtic have ‘set their sights’ on a summer move for midfielder Damian Bobadilla. The 24-year old currently plays for Sao Paulo who currently sit second in the Brazilian Serie A.
Bobadilla began his career with Cerro Porteno in his native Paraguay before a 2024 his 2024 move to Brazil which also coincided with his first senior cap. Since then he has made 17 appearances for his country and has been named in their most recent squad for upcoming friendly matches against Greece and Scotland’s FIFA World cup group stage opponents Morocco.
Paraguay themselves have also qualified for this summer’s World Cup and have been drawn alongside one of the three hosts nations, USA, as well as Australia and the winner of the UEFA Path C play-off which will be one of Turkey, Slovakia, Kosovo or Romania. Having established himself as a regular in Gustavo Alfaro’s squads in recent years, Bobadilla will be hopeful of representing his nation on the biggest stage this summer.
As far as him signing for Celtic, the same report also claims that a number of clubs across Europe are’ watching the midfielder closely’ with a view to making a move. The midfielder has been in impressive form for Sao Paulo so far this season with 16 appearances, including 13 stars, and has contributed two goals and two assists.
Hoops fans will likely get the chance to see him in action for Paraguay this summer, giving them a closer look at their potential signing. The same will also be true for all the other clubs reportedly keen on his services though so competition will likely be fierce if he impresses during the tournament.
How much would Damian Bobadilla cost Celtic?
Bobadilla agreed a four year contract when he singed for Sao Paulo from Cerro Porteno in 2024 for a fee of $3 million (US) plus add ons - around £2.25 million (GBP) by current conversation rates. He still has two years remaining on that deal so the Brazilian outfit should be able to hold out for a significant increase on that fee, especially if there is as much competition for his signature as is being reported. Football statistics site Transfermarkt currently values Bobadilla at €5 million - around £4.35 million.