Celtic Progresses on £2.5m Transfer for Qarabag's Camilo Duran

CelticTeam·Celtic is reportedly nearing a deal to sign Qarabag striker Camilo DuranPlayer·Camilo Duran, with negotiations progressing towards a transfer fee in the region of £2.5 million. The 24-year-old Colombian forward has emerged as a primary target for CelticTeam·Celtic manager Martin O'Neill, who seeks to reinforce his attacking line ahead of the new campaign.

Duran enjoyed a standout 2025/26 season with Azerbaijani champions Qarabag, contributing to 25 goals across 45 appearances in all competitions. His performances in the UEFA Champions LeagueCompetition·Champions League were particularly notable, where he scored five goals in 10 appearances. These crucial strikes included goals against European clubs such as BenficaTeam·Benfica, AjaxTeam·Ajax, Eintracht FrankfurtTeam·Eintracht Frankfurt (two goals), and Newcastle, showcasing his ability on a significant continental stage. This European pedigree has especially captured CelticTeam·Celtic's attention as the Scottish club aims to secure a place in the Champions LeagueCompetition·Champions League league phase and the associated £35 million prize.

CelticTeam·Celtic's pursuit of Duran comes amidst a clear need for attacking reinforcements. Kelechi IheanachoPlayer·Kelechi Iheanacho is currently a free agent after his contract expired following May's Scottish Cup final, while loan strikers Tomas CvancaraPlayer·Tomas Cvancara and Junior Adamu have both returned to their respective parent clubs. Duran, who is contracted at Qarabag until the summer of 2028, joined the Azerbaijani side from Portuguese outfit Portimonense last summer for under £200,000. Qarabag is reportedly seeking a club-record fee for the striker, with figures around £2 million being circulated.

Qarabag's manager, Gurban GurbanovCoach·Gurban Gurbanov, has indicated that the club may be open to player departures this summer. "It is possible," Gurbanov stated when asked about more players leaving, suggesting a willingness to negotiate for key assets like Duran.

The potential arrival of Duran signals what is expected to be a busy summer at Parkhead. Beyond striking options, CelticTeam·Celtic is also targeting goalkeepers, with Las Palmas' Dinko HorkasPlayer·Dinko Horkas and Hertha Berlin's Tjark Ernst both under consideration. The club also faces the prospect of several key players departing. Reo HatatePlayer·Reo Hatate has openly expressed his ambition to play at a higher level, stating, "I would like to challenge myself in one of the top five leagues. I’m not saying I’m satisfied, but I have had the opportunity to play in the Champions LeagueCompetition·Champions League and other high-level leagues, but I still haven’t been able to play at such a high level for an entire season." Similarly, Arne EngelsPlayer·Arne Engels is attracting interest, and Benjamin NygrenPlayer·Benjamin Nygren is not short of suitors after an impressive 21-goal season. Daizen MaedaPlayer·Daizen Maeda, following an impactful World CupCompetition·World Cup campaign with JapanTeam·Japan where he scored against Nygren's SwedenTeam·Sweden, may also seek a move this summer, with Martin O'Neill having previously stated in May that he would not impede the 28-year-old from challenging himself at a higher level.