Celtic Open Talks Ahead Of A Summer Move For This Borussia Dortmund Attacker: Exciting Signing For The Hoops? | OneFootball

If a recent update from the Sky Sports reporter Patrick Berger is believed to be true, Celtic are keeping close tabs on Cole Campbell ahead of a potential summer move. The USA attacking ace has returned to Borussia Dortmund after TSG Hoffenheim decided against converting his loan into a permanent deal, and the youngster, out of favour at Signal Iduna Park, is open to experiencing a fresh challenge amid initial talks with the Scottish hotshots.

The 20-year-old USA youth international progressed through Atlanta United’s academy ranks back in his homeland before moving to Iceland in 2020. There, he joined Fimleikafélag Hafnarfjarðar and grabbed a couple of senior appearances, followed by a short spell with Breiðablik. Borussia Dortmund snapped him up for their reserves in the summer of 2022, and his flair down the flanks eventually earned him a first-team status in 2024.

Why Campbell Has Emerged As A Realistic Target

However, the lack of opportunities last season led to his initial six-month loan move to fellow Bundesliga outfit Hoffenheim earlier this year. Although the Kraichgauers had an option-to-buy clause in the contract, Campbell failed to stake a claim in Christian Ilzer’s plan. Having missed out on a month’s action due to an ankle injury, the youngster only secured five substitute appearances upon returning to match fitness.

LEIPZIG, GERMANY – MARCH 20: Cole Campbell of TSG Hoffenheim plays the ball during the Bundesliga match between RB Leipzig and TSG Hoffenheim at Red Bull Arena on March 20, 2026 in Leipzig, Germany. (Photo by Sebastian Widmann/Getty Images)

The Hoops scripted a stunning revival under Martin O’Neill, who was re-appointed as their interim manager following Wilfried Nancy’s nightmare stint. The veteran Northern Irishman has been rewarded with a permanent deal after conquering a domestic double, and the management must now back him this summer to overcome the mistakes made over the past two windows.

Why Celtic Must Rope In The Youngster

Celtic parted ways with Nicolas Kuhn a year ago but failed to replace him down the wide. Michel-Ange Balikwisha and Joel Mvuka, the forgotten attacking duo, do not have a future at Parkhead, whereas Sebastian Tounekti, despite securing a regular role, has struggled with the end product. James Forrest, in his mid-thirties, is only considered as a sporadic option, and the club are likely to listen to offers for Daizen Maeda, who has reiterated his desire to part ways for an opportunity elsewhere.

But the crisis on the wing resulted in Yang Hyun-jun’s emergence after his £3m transfer to Birmingham City fell through. He enjoyed a ten-goal season primarily from the right-hand flank and, therefore, earned a spot in South Korea’s World Cup squad. Campbell might not grab a starting spot straightaway, but his ability to operate as an inverted winger with explosive acceleration would bolster O’Neill’s attacking depth. The young forward has a very high ceiling, and it remains to be seen whether he justifies his potential if a transfer takes place in due time.