Celtic Close In On Joel Mvuka Signing As Transfer Deadline Looms

Celtic's January transfer window has taken a dramatic turn, with the club on the verge of securing the signature of Norwegian wide man Joel Mvuka from French side Lorient. As the clock ticks down to the transfer deadline at 11pm on Monday, February 3, 2026, sources across France and Scotland are abuzz with confirmation that an agreement has been reached to bring the 23-year-old to Glasgow. For Celtic supporters, who have watched the club’s pursuit of a right winger drag on through the winter, this news injects a dose of optimism—and perhaps a bit of relief.

Joel Mvuka’s football journey has been anything but ordinary. A product of the Norwegian club Åsane, he rose to prominence with Bodø/Glimt, where he not only collected domestic honors but also gained valuable European experience—famously featuring against Celtic in the UEFA Conference League in 2022. That tie saw Bodø/Glimt dispatch the Scottish champions 5-1 on aggregate, with Mvuka coming off the bench in both legs. His exploits in Norway caught the eye of Lorient, who shelled out £4 million (around €5.5 million) for his services three years ago.

Since then, Mvuka’s career has spanned three countries and multiple trophies. With Bodø/Glimt, he lifted league silverware. A six-month loan spell at Young Boys in Switzerland in 2024 saw him add another title to his collection, and last season, he was part of the Lorient squad that clinched the Ligue 2 championship, earning promotion to France’s top flight. By the age of 23, Mvuka had already experienced the highs and lows of title races in three different leagues—a rare feat for a player so young.

But the French adventure hasn’t always been smooth sailing. Mvuka’s time at Lorient has been marked by flashes of promise and stretches of frustration. He’s started just five Ligue 1 matches this season, often playing second fiddle to Theo Le Bris. Despite making 17 appearances in all competitions and providing two assists, he’s struggled to cement a regular starting spot. His numbers may not leap off the page, but his versatility—comfortable both as a right winger and a wing-back—has kept him in the conversation for clubs seeking dynamic wide options.

Celtic’s need for reinforcements on the right flank has been no secret. Injuries and inconsistency have left the squad thin, and the January window has so far yielded only loan signings: Tomas Cvancara and Julian Araujo. The board’s conservative approach to spending has frustrated some fans, particularly with the title race looking increasingly competitive. Damir Redzic and Fares Ghedjemis were strongly linked as potential solutions, but reports suggest their price tags—ranging between £5-6 million—proved prohibitive. In contrast, Mvuka’s fee is expected to come in at a more modest £2-3 million, a figure that could prove a bargain if he delivers on his promise.

Assistant manager Shaun Maloney offered insight into the club’s recruitment strategy, stating, "I've been really happy with the two guys that have come, so I think Julian Araujo and Tomas Cvancara are types of players or profiles that we haven't had. It's really specific, the ones that we want to try and bring in. We feel that we've got a few that do the things that we need, particularly on that right side. Hopefully, we can get them in." With less than 48 hours left in the window, urgency is at an all-time high.

For Mvuka, the move to Celtic is about more than just club football. The Norwegian has been capped 16 times for his country’s Under-21 side and harbors dreams of representing Norway at the 2026 World Cup in North America this summer. His ambition is clear. Speaking to the press on February 1, 2026, Mvuka declared, "Of course I'm thinking about the World Cup. It's a big dream and a huge opportunity for me. Representing Norway at the World Cup would be so amazing for me. The last few years have been incredible for Norway. There are many great players performing well, and the development of football in Norway is excellent. And I can assure you that many more will arrive very soon. My aim for this season has been to keep playing as much as possible and get as many assists as I can."

The player’s ability to operate both as a winger and as a wing-back has broadened his appeal. "I was always a winger, but last season at Lorient they tried me out as a wing back and I really enjoyed it. This means I have to be much more focused because I also have to think about defending. I enjoyed my loan spell in Switzerland with Young Boys and the standard was very high," Mvuka added. His adaptability could prove a valuable asset for manager Martin O’Neill, who is tasked with navigating injuries and tactical shifts as Celtic chase silverware on multiple fronts.

O’Neill, whose position remains officially temporary, has leaned on the loan market this window, but the potential acquisition of Mvuka signals a willingness to invest—albeit prudently—in a player with both immediate utility and long-term upside. The Norwegian’s arrival would also add depth to a squad that has, at times, looked stretched in wide areas. And with the transfer window slamming shut imminently, the club’s ability to get this deal over the line could have significant implications for the remainder of the season.

As for Mvuka’s recent form, it’s fair to say he’s a player in search of momentum. His spell at Young Boys was brief, with just four league starts in Switzerland, and his impact at Lorient has been limited since their return to Ligue 1. Still, his track record of winning titles in three different countries and his hunger for international recognition suggest a player with both pedigree and motivation.

What remains to be seen is whether Mvuka can hit the ground running in Glasgow. The Scottish Premiership presents its own unique challenges—physicality, pace, and the ever-present pressure of expectation at a club like Celtic. But if Mvuka’s career to date is any indication, he’s no stranger to adapting to new environments and seizing opportunities when they arise.

With the transfer window’s final hours upon us, Celtic fans will be watching closely for official confirmation. Should the deal be completed as expected, Martin O’Neill will have a new weapon on the right flank and, perhaps, the spark needed to reignite the club’s title challenge. For Joel Mvuka, the move offers a fresh start—and a shot at fulfilling his World Cup dream.

All eyes are now on Parkhead as the deadline looms. Will Mvuka’s arrival be the catalyst Celtic need? The next chapter is about to unfold, and with it, the hopes of both club and player are firmly intertwined.