Celtic Snap Up This Swiss Fullback: Statement Of Intent From The Hoops? | OneFootball

According to renowned Scottish journalist Anthony Joseph, Celtic tabled an offer for Jordan Lotomba to secure his services before Thursday’s transfer deadline. The Feyenoord right-back entered the final year of his De Kuip contract, and the Hoops have now announced his arrival amid concerns about Alistair Johnston’s fitness.

The 27-year-old Swiss international progressed through Champagne Sports, Yverdon-Sport and Lausanne-Sport’s academy ranks before claiming a regular role for the latter’s senior squad. Young Boys snapped him up in the summer of 2017, but sold him to French side Nice for €7m three years later. After four full seasons in Ligue 1, the Eagles sanctioned a cut-price sale to Feyenoord, with his contract expiring soon. He also fell down the pecking order under new boss Franck Haise, leading to his €4.3m switch to the Eredivisie.

However, injuries have prevented him from cementing his place at the Club on the Meuse. Lotomba has made two substitute appearances so far this season as the understudy to Givairo Read, and the Dutch outfit thankfully didn’t stand in the way of the Bhoys getting a deal done.

ROTTERDAM, NETHERLANDS – NOVEMBER 27: Reo Hatate of Celtic battles for the ball with Jordan Lotomba and Anis Hadj Moussa of Feyenoord during the UEFA Europa League 2025/26 League Phase MD5 match between Feyenoord and Celtic FC at De Kuip on November 27, 2025 in Rotterdam, Netherlands. (Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images)

A minuscule fee for the defender would boost Feyenoord’s finances rather than lose him for nothing next summer, and Celtic, despite ample depth down the right, are being ambitious in their bid to maintain domestic dominance and pursue a deep European run.

Why Celtic Are Keen On Lotomba

The reigning Scottish champions have rectified their mistakes of the past windows by making timely additions. Johnston had persistent injury problems throughout the previous campaign, and the Celts’ interest in Lotomba speaks volumes, even though they have Colby Donovan and Anthony Ralston to deputise for the Canadian, who is expected to be sidelined until the end of October.

The Swiss star made only 8 league starts for the Rotterdam giants during the 2025-26 season, but he was once rated highly for his ability to balance between defence and attack. Although his crosses and final deliveries might not be as productive as Johnston’s, Martin O’Neill would prefer him to show his ball retention, athleticism and dribbling skills, along with strong tackling traits in the defensive third.

The veteran Northern Irish boss has relied on 19-year-old Donovan over experienced Ralston for tactical reasons. Lotomba must be viewed as a like-for-like replacement for Johnston, and he could succeed him in the long run provided he stays fit, given strong rumours all summer circling the Canucks international.