Celtic Close In On Tomas Cvancara Signing As Striker Saga Nears Resolution

Celtic’s long and winding search for a new striker appears to be reaching a dramatic conclusion, with Borussia Monchengladbach’s Tomas Cvancara on the verge of joining the Scottish champions. After months of speculation, advanced negotiations, and no shortage of transfer twists, the Hoops faithful may soon see the Czech international don the famous green and white hoops—just in time for a crucial top-of-the-table clash with Hearts this weekend.

On January 20, 2026, reports from across Europe confirmed that Celtic are deep in talks with the Bundesliga club over a deal for the 25-year-old forward. The structure is clear: an initial loan until the end of the season, with an option to buy in the summer. Personal terms between Cvancara and Celtic are already finalized, leaving only the final details between the clubs to be ironed out. According to Sky Sports Germany’s Florian Plettenberg, “Celtic are in advanced negotiations to sign Tomas Cvancara from Borussia Monchengladbach. Personal terms have already been AGREED.”

This move marks the culmination of a year-long effort to fill the void left by Kyogo Furuhashi’s departure. Celtic’s attack has struggled for consistency since then, with Adam Idah also moving on and Kelechi Iheanacho—signed on a free after the summer deadline—spending much of his tenure on the treatment table. Winger Daizen Maeda was forced to play out of position as a striker, but with Cvancara’s arrival, Maeda can finally return to his preferred role out wide.

Cvancara’s journey to Celtic Park has been anything but straightforward. After starting his career at Jablonec, he moved to Sparta Prague, where he truly made his mark. The 2022-23 season was a breakout campaign for the 6ft 3in frontman, as he netted 19 goals and helped Sparta Prague clinch the Czech league title. That form prompted Borussia Monchengladbach to splash out £9 million for his services in 2023, but the move to Germany has not produced the expected fireworks. Cvancara has managed just six goals in 49 Bundesliga appearances, struggling to secure a regular spot in the starting eleven.

In search of minutes, Cvancara spent the first half of the 2025-26 season on loan at Turkish side Antalyaspor. However, that stint was cut short in January due to wage issues. He scored only once for the Turkish club before returning to Germany, where he found himself surplus to requirements. Monchengladbach, keen to move him on, reportedly allowed Cvancara to skip training as he pursued a new opportunity. The Bundesliga side had been seeking a transfer fee in the region of €6-7 million last summer, but with the player’s situation now more urgent, the terms have shifted to a loan with a potential permanent deal down the line.

Celtic’s need for a striker has been nothing short of desperate. The club’s only signing so far this window has been Julian Araujo, a defender on loan from Bournemouth, leaving fans and pundits alike questioning the lack of attacking reinforcements. Manager Martin O’Neill, back for a second spell in charge after the departures of Brendan Rodgers and Wilfried Nancy, has been under mounting pressure to deliver fresh firepower. O’Neill recently told reporters, “I’m confident of signing a new player ahead of the weekend clash with Hearts.” If all goes to plan, Cvancara could be registered in time for that pivotal fixture.

The transfer saga has not been without competition. Rangers, Celtic’s fierce Glasgow rivals, were also linked with a move for Cvancara, as were Serie A sides Hellas Verona and Cremonese. Yet, it’s Celtic who have stolen a march, with the player reportedly favoring a move to Parkhead. According to multiple sources, Cvancara has already agreed personal terms with the Hoops, and only the final paperwork remains.

It’s been a busy window for Celtic’s recruitment team, who have explored a variety of striker options. The club made an approach for Lorient’s Mohamed Bamba, but their loan bid was rejected by the French side, with sporting director Laurent Koscielny turning down the offer. Croatian striker Franko Kovacevic was also on the radar, but no deal materialized. There was even talk of a sensational return for Kyogo Furuhashi, but the Japanese star opted to stay with Birmingham City. With time ticking down before the transfer window closes on Monday, February 2, 2026, the urgency for a new number nine has never been greater.

For Cvancara, this move represents a chance at redemption and a fresh start. Despite his struggles in Germany and Turkey, his pedigree is clear. The Czech international has eight senior caps and was a key figure in Sparta Prague’s title-winning campaign. His physical presence, aerial ability, and versatility—he can play both as a central striker and on the right wing—should add a new dimension to Celtic’s attack. The coaching staff hope that, with regular minutes and the right support, Cvancara can rediscover the form that made him one of Central Europe’s most promising forwards.

Celtic’s current predicament in the league only heightens the stakes. The Hoops sit six points behind league leaders Hearts, making this weekend’s head-to-head encounter even more significant. O’Neill is counting on Cvancara to hit the ground running, stating, “The arrival of the 6ft 3 forward will allow Daizen Maeda to move back to his preferred role and help the team be better.” The club’s board, under scrutiny for a lack of action in previous windows, will be hoping this signing can spark a turnaround in fortunes.

As the clock ticks toward the closure of the January transfer window, all eyes are on Celtic Park. Will Cvancara be the man to fire Celtic back into the title race? With the deal on the brink of completion, supporters are daring to dream. There’s no denying that this move could be a match made in heaven for both player and club—provided Cvancara can shake off recent struggles and recapture his best form in Glasgow.

For now, Celtic fans will have to wait a little longer for the official unveiling. But with personal terms agreed and only minor details left, it looks like the Hoops are about to get their man. The drama of the transfer window continues, and the next chapter in Celtic’s season may be about to begin in earnest.