Celtic Plot Summer Move For This High-Profile Hearts Attacker: Why His Arrival Would Decimate The Transfer Disappointments | OneFootball

If a recent transfer update from Pete O’Rourke is true, Celtic are keeping close tabs on Claudio Braga ahead of a potential summer move. Hearts’ dream league run ended in heartbreak, and the Edinburgh heavyweights are struggling to retain their star performers, with the attacking ace now set to join the ‘mass exodus’, given the Hoops’ long-standing interest.

The 26-year-old Portuguese centre-forward progressed through Candal, Boavista, Paços de Ferreira and Rio Ave’s academy ranks in his homeland before securing a regular role with the latter’s reserves. He then had stints at Valadares Gaia, Fátima, Sporting Ideal and Vila Meã in the lower leagues, but his career took a turn when he plied his trade in Norway, joining the then-third-tier outfit Moss FK.

Braga’s exquisite scoring form earned them promotion to the second division. Aalesunds FK snapped him up in 2024 upon being relegated from Eliteserien, but sanctioned a €520k transfer to Hearts one-and-a-half years later. He scored 17 goals and laid on 6 assists in 44 appearances across competitions and earned multiple honours, including BBC Football Awards Scottish Premiership Player of the Year, Scottish Football Writers’ Association Player of the Year and William Hill Premiership Player of the Year for the 2025-26 season.

EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND – MAY 04: Cláudio Braga of Heart of Midlothian heads the ball while under pressure from Nasser Djiga of Rangers during the William Hill Premiership match between Heart of Midlothian and Rangers at Tynecastle Park on May 04, 2026 in Edinburgh, Scotland. (Photo by Zak Mauger/Getty Images)

Why Celtic Must Splash The Cash To Wrap Him Up After Iheanacho Setback

Meanwhile, Celtic are facing a fans’ protest amid yet another slow window. Although they have roped in Camilo Durán from Qarabağ, Daizen Maeda’s likely exit would leave a massive void in the attacking third. Kelechi Iheanacho rejected the Celts’ offer and chose Turkish second-tier side Bursaspor instead of a Parkhead return. Also, the growing interest in Johnny Kenny from south of the border could prompt the Irishman to part ways for a fresh opportunity elsewhere.

Callum Osmand is expected to stake a claim after showing glimpses of his quality in an injury-ravaged campaign. Yet the champions would struggle to defend the coveted crown unless they bolster the frontline with quality and experience. Besides appointing Derek McInnes as the new Ibrox chief, Old Firm rivals Rangers have so far raided the Jamtarts squad twice by tying down Cammy Devlin and Lawrence Shankland. Celtic, too, might knock on the door now, as a fee of around £5m should be enough to secure his services.

Braga has excelled in Scottish football, being highly proficient at converting chances, frequently outperforming his xG. His strong aerial ability, exquisite passing range and swift movement high up the pitch would inject fluidity into Celtic’s attack. The Jambos could play hardball and seek £8m to £10m for their prized asset, with Lyon also keen on having him at Parc Olympique Lyonnais, and it remains to be seen where he ends up in the coming days.