(Credit: Imago)

Pete O'Rourke, Transfer Correspondent

Wed 22 April 2026 18:00, UK

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Celtic are planning to sit down and discuss a new contract with midfielder Luke McCowan ahead of next season, sources have told Football Insider.

The 28-year-old is set to enter the final year of his contract at Celtic Park at the end of the campaign, and the club are determined to avoid the possibility of him running down his current deal.

However, they are also unwilling to open talks before the dust has settled on this season, with sources indicating that Martin O’Neill and Co. are keen to avoid any distractions at such a pivotal stage of the title race.

Nevertheless, the Bhoys fully intend to hand McCowan an extension and are expected to do so once they have settled on their next manager.

Celtic’s transfer plans are set to see them overhaul their squad once they get their new man at the helm, but they are already adamant that McCowan will be part of next year’s group.

Luke McCowan still seen as a key player at Parkhead

McCowan has only started 11 games in the Scottish Premiership this term, but he has still been an important part of O’Neill’s plans in recent weeks.

The versatile star has regularly come from the bench to help his teammates see out games of late, and he is now up to the 40 appearances mark in all competitions for the season.

He is capable of playing on either flank as well as in the centre of midfield, and O’Neill has often jumped at the chance to make the most of his versatility since he returned as interim manager.

McCowan is viewed as a key squad player for the Glasgow giants, who are keen to try and reach a favourable decision with him regarding his future in the coming months.

There is set to be a major turnover on the footballing side of the club this summer, but McCowan is set to be part of a group who will look to provide continuity amid the transition to a new manager.

Celtic could be ‘forced’ to accept offer for midfielder

Former Manchester United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider last week that Celtic could be “forced” to accept an offer for Benjamin Nygren this summer.

The Swede is attracting growing interest in the Premier League after an influential debut campaign in Scotland, with Brighton and Bournemouth both chasing a deal.

Brown expects that if either of that duo make a genuine concrete move for the 24-year-old, then Celtic may be inclined to accept a sale as it would be “in their best interest.”

He added that Nygren himself will be keen to make the move to the English top-flight, while the chance of a big payday may prove too good for Celtic to turn down.