Celtic are making moves in the summer transfer market as they look to bolster their midfield options ahead of the 2025-2026 season. The Scottish champions have reportedly initiated contact with Portuguese side Rio Ave regarding a potential deal for 20-year-old defensive midfielder Demir Tiknaz, who spent the 2024-2025 season on loan at Rio Ave from Turkish giants Besiktas.
Tiknaz, standing at an imposing 6ft 4in, has drawn attention for his physical presence and versatility in the midfield. During his loan spell at Rio Ave, he made 33 appearances, scoring four goals and providing two assists, showcasing his ability to contribute both defensively and offensively. Currently, he is away on international duty with the Turkey national team as they prepare for upcoming fixtures against the USMNT and Mexico.
According to Portuguese outlet ABOLA, Celtic have already opened discussions with Rio Ave to explore the possibility of signing Tiknaz this summer. Rio Ave are expected to trigger their €5 million option to purchase the player from Besiktas by the deadline on June 10, 2025. Following this, the Portuguese club is anticipated to consider offers starting around €10 million to sell Tiknaz on, with Celtic among the interested parties. However, competition is fierce, with French club Lille also reportedly tracking the young midfielder.
Brendan Rodgers, Celtic's manager, has been vocal about his intent to strengthen the squad with two to three first-team signings this summer, despite the club's recent success in securing a fourth consecutive league title. Rodgers has emphasized the need for change and squad depth, particularly in midfield, where the current options include captain Callum McGregor, Reo Hatate, Arne Engels, Paulo Bernardo, and Luke McCowan. Of these, only McGregor is naturally suited to the holding midfield role, anchoring play and dictating tempo.
The addition of Tiknaz could provide Rodgers with a robust alternative or complement to McGregor. The 20-year-old's height and physicality offer a presence that has been somewhat lacking in Celtic's midfield setup, potentially allowing for better rotation and management of player minutes across a demanding schedule that includes domestic league, cup competitions, and European fixtures.
Rodgers has repeatedly stressed the importance of rotation to maintain player fitness and performance levels throughout the season. McGregor, while a consistent performer, has often been overused, and bringing in a player like Tiknaz could alleviate some of that burden. This strategic reinforcement signals Celtic's intent to maintain their dominance in Scottish football and improve their competitiveness on the European stage.
Off the pitch, Tiknaz has endured significant personal challenges. He was affected by the devastating earthquake that struck southeastern Turkey and northwestern Syria in February 2023. Although living in Istanbul, away from the epicenter, Tiknaz has spoken openly about the trauma and fear he experienced during that period. In an interview with The Athletic in 2024, he reflected, "I was so afraid. We saw the videos on the internet. I still have this trauma when I remember it. It was really difficult for everybody and everybody tried to support them in the best way they could. I felt that life is so short and things can change in seconds. We still feel this trauma. On the pitch, you forget everything from your own life. During these 90 minutes, it’s kind of a therapy. When you touch the ball you forget everything, but after, you remember. Without football, life would really be way more difficult for us." This resilience and perspective could prove invaluable for Celtic as they look to integrate the young midfielder into their squad.
Meanwhile, Celtic are also managing potential departures. Polish top-flight club Pogon Szczecin has shown interest in taking central defender Maik Nawrocki on loan. Nawrocki has had limited game time at Celtic, making just 18 appearances over two seasons. He scored his first goal for the club in a commanding 5-1 victory over Aberdeen towards the end of last campaign. A loan move could provide him with more regular playing opportunities and help Celtic streamline their squad.
The summer transfer window is shaping up to be a busy one for Celtic. With the club aiming to maintain their domestic success and enhance their European credentials, strategic signings like Tiknaz could be key. While no official bid has yet been lodged for the midfielder, the initial contact with Rio Ave indicates serious intent from the Hoops to secure a promising talent who could play a pivotal role in their midfield for years to come.
As the transfer deadline approaches and negotiations unfold, Celtic fans will be watching closely to see if Tiknaz's signature can be added to the squad. With the Turkish international currently engaged with his national team, the next few weeks will be crucial in determining whether Celtic can finalize this potentially game-changing deal.
