Celtic’s attempt to sign Slovan Bratislava striker David Strelec has collapsed after the Slovakian club rejected an £8 million offer, insisting on a fee closer to £9.5 million. According to The Scottish Sun, Strelec had been granted permission to leave, but negotiations stalled over the final transfer valuation.
Brendan Rodgers had identified Strelec as a key target in the January window to strengthen Celtic’s attacking options, but the club was unwilling to meet Slovan’s asking price.
📊 Player Profile & Career Stats
- Name: David Strelec
- Age: 23 (Born April 4, 2001)
- Nationality: Slovakia
- Position: Striker
- Height: 186 cm
- Current Club: Slovan Bratislava
🔹 2024/25 Season Performance (Slovan Bratislava)
- Slovak Super Liga Appearances: 19
- Goals: 10
- Assists: 4
- Shots on Target per 90 mins: 2.8
- Key Passes per 90 mins: 1.5
- Aerial Duels Won per 90 mins: 3.2
- Pass Accuracy: 82.1%
📈 Career Record (All Clubs)
- Total Appearances: 145
- Goals: 54
- Assists: 22
- International Caps (Slovakia): 9 (2 goals)
🔎 Why Did the Transfer Collapse?
🟢 Celtic’s Valuation Was Below Slovan’s Asking Price
- Celtic offered £8 million, but Slovan demanded at least £9.5 million.
- Despite interest, Celtic refused to increase their bid beyond their initial valuation.
🟢 Financial Considerations
- Celtic prefers to invest smartly rather than overspend on one player.
- The club may revisit Strelec in the summer if Slovan lowers their asking price.
🟢 Slovan’s Reluctance to Sell in January
- Slovan still needed Strelec for their domestic and European campaigns.
- The club preferred a summer exit rather than losing him mid-season.
⚖️ How Does Strelec Compare to Celtic’s Current Strikers?
| Player | 2024/25 Goals | Assists | Shots on Target per 90 | Aerial Duels Won per 90 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| David Strelec (Slovan Bratislava) | 10 | 4 | 2.8 | 3.2 |
| Kyogo Furuhashi (Celtic) | 14 | 5 | 3.1 | 2.1 |
| Oh Hyeon-gyu (Celtic) | 7 | 3 | 2.4 | 3.5 |
💡 Analysis: Strelec would have provided aerial strength and goal-scoring ability, but Celtic opted to stick with their current options rather than pay over their valuation.
💰 Potential Future Transfer Details
- Celtic may return for Strelec in the summer if Slovan lowers their price.
- Other European clubs, including teams in Serie A and Bundesliga, are reportedly interested.
- Slovan Bratislava is expected to sell Strelec at the end of the season.
👀 Fan Reactions & Social Media Buzz
💬 “Celtic should have paid the extra £1.5m. We need a top striker!” – @CelticSupport
💬 “Smart decision. Strelec is talented, but not worth overpaying for.” – @ScottishFootball
💬 “This could come back to bite Celtic if another club swoops in during the summer.” – @FootballTransferTalk
🏆 Verdict: Should Celtic Have Signed Strelec?
Celtic’s decision to walk away from the deal highlights their careful financial approach. While Strelec’s stats suggest he would have added value, the club was unwilling to pay over their budget.
If Strelec continues his strong form, Celtic may face increased competition for his signature in the summer, making it harder to secure a deal.
📢 What do you think? Should Celtic have pushed harder to sign Strelec? Drop your thoughts in the comments!
