Celtic Strike Deal With Bundesliga Side For This Towering Centre-forward: They Have Finally Addressed A Major Problem | OneFootball

After reports circling several targets, Celtic have finally snapped up a centre-forward, with Borussia Mönchengladbach star Tomas Cvancara set to join them on a six-month loan, which includes an option to buy. According to Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg, the Glasgow giants will cover full salary for the remainder of the season.

The 25-year-old Czech Republic international progressed through the academy ranks of Slavia Prague and Jablonec back in his homeland. He also had a brief youth loan in Italy with Empoli before returning to Jablonec. The latter sent him out on loan to Slavoj Vyšehrad and Opava for first-team minutes, and eventually handed him a regular status in 2021.

Cvancara exhibited his poaching traits while spearheading the attack, which saw him earn a €500k transfer to league giants Sparta Prague. He continued to impress high up the pitch, leading to a €10.5m move to Mönchengladbach in the summer of 2023.

MOENCHENGLADBACH, GERMANY – MARCH 29: Tomas Cvancara of Borussia Moenchengladbach battles for possession with David Raum and El Chadaille Bitshiabu of RB Leipzig during the Bundesliga match between Borussia Mönchengladbach and RB Leipzig at Borussia-Park on March 29, 2025 in Moenchengladbach, Germany. (Photo by Lars Baron/Getty Images)

How He Would Fit In O’Neill’s System

The Czech ‘number 9’ struggled for rhythm in the Bundesliga, with just 8 goals and 2 assists in 54 outings. Antalyaspor loaned him in ahead of the current campaign, but his underwhelming run continued, as he only scored twice in 13 appearances for the Turkish outfit [stats via Transfermarket]. Having said that, the striking ace holds the aerial and physical supremacy up top, and his movements in and around the box should see him attune to Martin O’Neill’s cross‑heavy 4-3-3 setup.

Meanwhile, another recent report revealed Rangers’ interest in the towering striker. Cremonese and Hellas Verona were also keeping close tabs, but the Gers’ Old Firm rivals seem to have won the race, as he is set for a medical on Wednesday before being unveiled as the new Celtic player.

Why Celtic Have Addressed A Major Problem By Roping In Cvancara

The Bhoys have Kelechi Iheanacho, who joined them on a Bosman a couple of days after the summer window was slammed shut. They also brought Callum Osmand as a project recruit, but the duo failed to cement a key status due to fitness woes. Shin Yamada has been unable to leave a mark, and the gaffer is heavily reliant on Daizen Maeda for the ‘number 9’ spot. Johnny Kenny is not experienced enough to feature week in and week out, and the signing of Cvancara should be viewed as an important addition en route to defending the league crown.

Maeda, who prefers to operate from the flanks and make diagonal runs, would significantly benefit from the Czech star’s arrival. O’Neill has managed to bring their season back on track, but the lack of fluidity upfront could haunt them, unless Cvancara hits the ground running for the champions.