Celtic Are Keeping Tabs On This 22-Year-Old Scottish Striker: Will He Solve The Club’s Problem? | OneFootball

Celtic are keeping tabs on Falkirk striker Barney Stewart as they look to bolster their attack for the 2026/27 season. Pete O’Rourke has reported that the 22-year-old is very much on the radar for the upcoming transfer window.

Celtic set their sights on Falkirk’s Barney Stewart this summer

The Bhoys are on the lookout for new forwards this summer, and Stewart is one of a few domestic targets being tracked, alongside Motherwell’s Tawanda Maswanhise and Hearts youngster Claudio Braga. Stewart has performed really well during Falkirk’s first year back in the Premiership, a handful of Scottish clubs are after him, and several EFL sides are reportedly weighing up bids as well.

His tally of eight goals from 16 league starts makes him one of the most clinical strikers in the league. With a conversion rate of 20.5%, he is actually more efficient than Celtic’s Daizen Maeda, who is currently at 16.1%. It’s not just about the goals, though; Stewart averages 1.08 shots on target per 90 minutes, just nicking ahead of Maeda’s 1.02.

He’s been a massive part of Falkirk landing a top-half finish in their first top-flight season in years, and Celtic clearly like what they see. As a Scotland Under-21 international with plenty of room to grow, he provides the exact profile Celtic usually go for: young, hungry, and already proven in Scotland.

Does Stewart actually solve Celtic’s forward problem for next season?

FALKIRK, SCOTLAND – APRIL 12: Emmanuel Fernandez of Rangers is challenged by Barney Stewart of Falkirk during the William Hill Premiership match between Falkirk and Rangers at Falkirk Stadium on April 12, 2026 in Falkirk, Scotland. (Photo by Zak Mauger/Getty Images)

The honest answer to this question is partially, but not entirely. Celtic need a proven finisher with European experience to lead the line for Champions League qualifying. As impressive as Stewart has been, there is always a bit of a gamble when a player steps up to a club of this size. His 0.54 goals-per-90 is better than Maeda’s 0.35 in the Premiership, but it’s worth noting that Falkirk aren’t facing the same level of pressure or defensive quality that Celtic deal with every week.

Stewart’s average of 0.81 big chances missed per 90 also suggests some inconsistency in front of goal that top-tier defenders will exploit. Celtic would likely bring him in as a player to develop rather than a guaranteed starter, making this more of a smart long-term move than the quick solution the frontline needs right now. That said, if the price is right, Stewart has plenty of potential, and given Celtic’s history of polishing domestic talent, the move makes a lot of sense.