Celtic open talks to sign Camilo Duran as price rockets - report

Martin O'Neill clearly wants to get Celtic's summer transfer window started with a bang after reportedly making contact over a deal for Camilo Duran.

The Qarabag centre-forward finished the 2025-26 campaign with 15 goals in 45 matches, with five of those coming in the Champions League.

Benfica, Ajax, Eintracht Frankfurt, especially, and Newcastle United found out the hard way not to underestimate the 24-year-old Colombian.

He also supplied a combined 10 assists in the Azerbaijan first division and Europe, exploding into life following his move from Portimonense last summer.

Sky Sports have revealed that talks have already been opened, but the Hoops' currently have a vastly different valuation to Qarabag.

There is every chance that a deal could still be agreed, with negotiations ongoing, and it should come as an exciting potential deal at Celtic Park.

Camilo Duran's need-to-know information

Duran has taken a huge leap in the last year, moving from the second Portuguese league to the Champions League, doing so almost seamlessly.

His value has skyrocketed from £200,000 to £2million, explaining why Celtic's reported bid of £1.7m has been turned down by the Azerbaijan giants.

His adaptability also makes him an ideal target. While he is naturally an out-and-out centre-forward, he is capable of playing anywhere across the front line.

While Duran has yet to make his international debut for Colombia, he will have hopes of achieving that dream, and a successful move to Scotland would only accelerate that.

It is evident that the player performs better in higher stake games, but given the pressure always on at Celtic Park, that could be perfect for the Hoops.

What could this deal mean for Celtic's attackers?

O'Neill currently has a whole host of attackers at his disposal, but that could be exactly why the Hoops are advancing in a deal already.

Daizen Maeda remains Celtic's most dangerous forward, but rumours of a switch to the Premier League continue to follow him around like a dark cloud.

Kelechi Iheanacho is technically a free agent, but supporters are desperate for the 29-year-old striker to sign a new contract at Celtic Park.

As for Johnny Kenny and Callum Osmand, both will be vying for minutes through the middle, but a deal for Duran would throw a spanner in the works.