Let’s give new Bhoy Joel Mvuka a chance, he’s Martin O’Neill’s choice

In partnership with

The Celtic Star

·2 febbraio 2026

Let’s give new Bhoy Joel Mvuka a chance, he’s Martin O’Neill’s choice

Let’s give new Bhoy Joel Mvuka a chance, he’s Martin O’Neill’s choice and that in itself is encouraging is it not?…

Joel Mvuka of Bodo/Glimt runs with the ball during the UEFA Champions League Second Qualifying Round First Leg match between Linfield and Bodo/Glimt at Windsor Park on July 19, 2022 (Photo by Charles McQuillan/Getty Images)

Celtic have reportedly clinched the signing of Joel Mvuka from French top flight outfit Lorient for a fee in the region of £3 million. The 24 year old Norwegian winger who has also enjoyed spells at Bodo/Glimt in his homeland and Young Boys in Switzerland is eyeing regular game time in a bid to force his way into the Norwegian squad for next summers World Cup Finals.

OneFootball Video

Mvuka has yet to represent his nation at senior level, despite excelling for the under 21s. His career hasn’t exactly hit the heights he achieved at Bodo, so we can only hope he turns his career around in Glasgow.

Joel Mvuka of FK Bodo/Glimt is challenged by Gabriel Magalhaes of Arsenal during the UEFA Europa League group A match between Arsenal FC and FK Bodo/Glimt at Emirates Stadium on October 06, 2022. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)

We had been heavily linked with the likes of Damir Redzic, and Fares Ghedjemis, but it’s Mvuka we’ve decided to go for, although his signing isn’t exactly went down well with some supporters, who believe we could have pursued a higher quality of player.

I can see why as his recent record is hardly inspiring, that’s the truth, but let’s look at the positives. We’ve got a young hungry player who is eager to impress, due to the carrot of a World Cup place dangling over him, and if anyone can get the best out of him, it’s Martin O’Neill.

Kirk Millar of Linfield is challenged by Joel Mvuka of Bodo/Glimt during the UEFA Champions League Second Qualifying Round First Leg match between Linfield and Bodo/Glimt at Windsor Park on July 19, 2022. (Photo by Charles McQuillan/Getty Images)

We’ve been crying out for a bit of freshness on the right hand side of the attack, as we haven’t fully replaced Nicolas Kuhn, so fingers crossed Mvuka is that man. Nicolas himself wasn’t exactly welcomed with open arms by the supporters, so maybe just maybe Mvuka will surprise us in the same way.

Yang has impressed this season, Michel -Ange Balikwisha is basically out of the picture, and James Forrest’s best days are sadly behind him, so it’s vital that we recruited some new blood, a bit of freshness, and in Mvuka we’ve done just that.

Celtic manager Martin O’Neill looks on during the Scottish Premiership match between Celtic and Falkirk at Celtic Park on February 01, 2026. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

He is a player that Martin O’Neill has given his approval to and remember the veteran Celtic manager has rejected other options for this window, including the boy who ended up signing for Sunderland.

UPDATE: Celtic have agreed a £3m deal for Lorient winger Joel Mvuka. The 23yo is in London to undergo a medical today and will travel up to Glasgow later tonight. Mvuka wants to join the Scottish champions – with hopes of breaking into the Norway squad for the World Cup.
– lunedì 2 febbraio 2026

Joel Mvuka might turn out to be a player who wins over his doubters under the guidance of Martin O’Neill, who is one of the best man managers in the game.