Celtic’s hopes of signing Isak Jansson are over — with OGC Nice confirming the Swedish winger’s arrival on Thursday night.

Jansson had been quickly linked with a move to Parkhead following news that Nicolas Kuhn was set to leave for Como in a £17million deal. Having already replaced Kuhn once — at Rapid Vienna in January 2024 — the 23-year-old was seen as a logical option for Brendan Rodgers as he looked to bolster Celtic’s wide areas.

But any interest from the Scottish champions has come to nothing. Ligue 1 side Nice have moved swiftly to secure the winger’s services, unveiling him officially on their club channels and confirming he will join up with Franck Haise’s squad for the upcoming campaign.

CeltsAreHere understands Celtic did put a bid in for the winger but it was well below Rapid’s valuation of the player. Nice got very close to the €10m figure the Austrians were looking for. [Expressen]

It ends any prospect of Jansson repeating the Kuhn succession plan for a second time, this time in Glasgow. The narrative had written itself: a pacy, goal-scoring wide man who stepped in seamlessly at Rapid and impressed in both domestic and European competition.

With Jansson opting for the French Riviera over the Scottish Premiership, Rodgers and his recruitment team must now pivot elsewhere.

The Hoops boss is under no illusions about the need to strengthen in attacking areas. With Jota sidelined long-term and Kuhn’s exit imminent, Celtic require ready-made quality in the final third — especially out wide.

Jansson’s nine goals and six assists in Austria last season underlined his attacking prowess, and his signing for Nice — a club pushing for European qualification — reflects the wider interest he had attracted, with Lazio and Fiorentina also linked.

Now off the market, the Swede’s move forces Celtic back into the hunt. Whether they look to the Austrian Bundesliga again or pursue other targets on their recruitment shortlist remains to be seen — but with the new campaign fast approaching, time is ticking.