Fresh speculation has surfaced over the last week around Celtic’s reported interest in Slovakian striker David Strelec, with his name once again making its way into the transfer conversation.
The comments, made in Slovakian media, also came amid new links suggesting Rangers could be monitoring the situation, which only added more noise to an already vague picture.
Strelec had been heavily linked with Celtic in January when reports claimed the club had submitted an £8 million offer, though Slovan Bratislava were holding firm on a £9.5 million valuation at the time.
However, Slovan’s early Champions League exit to Kairat Almaty has reportedly changed the landscape, with suggestions the club may now be more willing to sanction a sale. That has led to renewed speculation across Slovakia and beyond, with the player’s camp seemingly attempting to position him for a late-window move.
But in a timely update, journalist Mark Hendry has poured cold water on suggestions that Celtic have re-entered the race, stating clearly that no conversations have been initiated by the club regarding the striker.
He said: (CeltsAreHere Substack), “The latest noise comes from David Strelec’s camp. More specifically, from his dad.
“Sources confirmed to CeltsAreHere earlier this week—and again the week before—that Celtic had not initiated conversations over the Slovakian striker.
“His father used Celtic’s name to keep his son in the conversation for a move.
“We’re only surprised he didn’t say Celtic and Rangers, which is the classic lazy trick of generic transfer reporting.”
Hendry’s update shows how often clubs are used in transfer talk to create interest, especially by agents or family members. In this case, Milan Strelec seems to have mentioned Celtic to get his son’s name back into the spotlight and open the door for a possible move.
Even though Celtic were linked with Strelec back in January, there’s no sign they’ve returned to the table. Sources close to the club say no contact has been made this summer, making the current rumours look shaky at best.
The mention of Rangers in Slovakian reports only adds to the feeling that this is more about keeping his name out there than any real movement. Dropping both Glasgow clubs into the mix is a well-used tactic during transfer windows, often with little behind it.
Right now, Celtic don’t appear to be involved at all, and unless something major changes, Strelec’s name seems more like part of the rumour mill than a genuine target.
