Club Official Admits Interest In This Celtic-linked Centre-back: Why O’Neill Should Accelerate Talks | OneFootball

If a recent report from The Herald is true, Swedish side Orgryte’s sporting director, Pontus Farnerud, has confirmed transfer talks regarding Michael Parker. This validates the latest rumours, suggesting growing interest in the former West Bromwich Albion centre-back, including Celtic. But the Hoops are not alone in the hunt, with bitter rivals Rangers, as well as Anderlecht, Udinese and Strasbourg also keeping tabs ahead of a potential summer move.

Revealed Farnerud, but refused to comment on whether they received any offers for their star defender.

The 21-year-old Englishman spent his academy years at Cray Valley Paper Mills, Huddersfield Town, Shrewsbury Town and Burnley before being roped in by West Brom. He featured for them across various youth levels and was eventually loaned out to Hereford in non-league for senior football.

MOTHERWELL, SCOTLAND – MAY 13: Auston Trusty of Celtic celebrates with teammates following victory in the William Hill Premiership match between Motherwell and Celtic at Fir Park on May 13, 2026 in Motherwell, Scotland. (Photo by Zak Mauger/Getty Images)

His emergence in deep defence grabbed the attention of the newly-promoted Allsvenskan club Örgryte IS, who secured his services earlier this year. Although the Swedish side are currently rock bottom in the league standings, Parker has cemented a first-team status in the heart of their backline. He has been involved in all their games across competitions, and the Gothenburg outfit are now expected to make a significant profit from his sale, having set a valuation of around £1.5m.

Why Celtic Should Bring Him In As A Project Player

Celtic have been relatively quiet so far in the summer window. Their only business has been the retention of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain for one more campaign after last season’s six-month loan, and the Hoops must now get several deals over the line to bolster the squad ahead of the upcoming campaign.

Despite conquering a ‘domestic double’, Martin O’Neill has reiterated the necessity of reinforcements to maintain their supremacy in Scottish football, and the defence, though, looks relatively stable compared to other areas, should step up the chase for the young ace.

Predominantly a left-sided centre-half, Parker has also been deployed as a left-back on a couple of occasions. The Bhoys are well equipped in deep defence, with Cameron Carter-Vickers, Auston Trusty and Liam Scales set to challenge each other for the starting spots. However, the permanent departure of Stephen Welsh and Benjamin Arthur’s return to Brentford following a brief loan could prompt them to opt for the youngster as the fourth central defensive option.