Celtic: Damian Bobadilla emerges as top summer target as ‘rival interest’ explained
Celtic have set their sights on a move to sign Sao Paolo midfielder Damian Bobadilla ahead of the summer transfer window, sources have told Football Insider.
The 24-year-old has made 16 appearances across all competitions this season, scored two goals and provided two assists as a key part of the starting XI.
A number of clubs across Europe are watching the midfielder closely and have been impressed by his performances in Brazil so far this term.
As I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Transfer Insider podcast, Celtic are set to keep tabs on Bobadilla’s performances at the World Cup.
The Sao Paolo star is likely to represent Paraguay in the U.S.A, and a strong showing could tempt Celtic to accelerate their summer transfer plans.
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VISIT THE CELTIC TRANSFER HUBCeltic set sights on deal to sign Damian Bobadilla
Football Insider revealed earlier this month that Celtic want to sign a new midfielder in the summer amid interest in Kilmarnock star David Watson.
Bobadilla has now emerged as an outside option for the Hoops, having been impressed by his performances for Sao Paolo over the last season.
| Damian Bobadilla | Sao Paulo Stats 2026 |
| Appearances | 16 |
| Starts | 13 |
| Minutes Played | 1120 |
| Goals | 2 |
| Assists | 2 |
As they step up plans to bolster their midfield this summer, the Paraguay star having an impressive World Cup could tempt them to make a move.
Speaking on the Transfer Insider podcast, I explained: “Yeah, he’s a player who’s done really well in Brazil for Sao Paulo.
“He’s a Paraguay international as well so he is set to go away to represent his country at the World Cup as well which will obviously maybe enhance his profile and reputation.
“Celtic will be keeping tabs on him at the tournament to see how he gets on, but it’ll be a difficult deal for Celtic to do because of the rival interest that’s in Bobadilla.
| Metric (2025/26) | Damian Bobadilla (Sao Paulo) | David Watson (Kilmarnock) | The Tactical Fit |
| Appearances | 16 | 32 | Bobadilla is mid-season in Brazil. |
| Goal Involvements | 4 (2G, 2A) | 7 (5G, 2A) | Both provide goal threat from deep. |
| Minutes Played | 1,120 | 2,800+ | Watson is more battle-hardened in Scotland. |
| Market Status | World Cup Bound (Paraguay) | SPFL Prospect | Bobadilla offers global elite potential. |
“It’s an area the team that Celtic probably will need to strengthen in long term.
“But as I said, I feel because of the rival interest from clubs elsewhere, it’ll be a difficult deal for Celtic to do in the summer.”
Which other midfielders are on Celtic’s radar?
Both Watson and Bobadilla are set to be targets for Celtic ahead of the summer transfer window, but they are not the only options on their radar.
Football Insider revealed in January that Celtic are eyeing Silas Andersen of BA Hacken, although rivals Rangers are also in the race for his signature.
The 21-year-old midfielder registered four goals and three assists in 39 appearances for Hacken in the 2025 campaign following a move from Dutch club Utrecht.
His fine form in the Allsvenskan and Conference League has seen him linked to numerous top clubs, and Rangers and Celtic are each targeting a move for him.
Both Scottish sides considered making moves in the mid-season window but ultimately opted against it, and could renew their interest this summer.
Target: Elijah Just (Motherwell)
Long-term: Carter-Vickers out
League Pos: 2nd (61 pts)
Status: Summer Talks Underway
Revenue: £143.6m (2025)