MAN CITY APPROACH CELTIC WITH WILD SWAP DEAL THAT’D BE ONE OF THE BEST PIECES OF BUSINESS THIS JANUARY.

Manchester City and Celtic are reportedly on the verge of completing one of the most intriguing transfer deals of the January 2026 window — a wild swap that could reshape both clubs’ attacking options.

With the transfer deadline approaching on February 2, sources suggest Pep Guardiola’s side are open to offloading fringe players to fund defensive reinforcements amid a mounting injury crisis. Recent losses to key defenders like Rúben Dias and Joško Gvardiol have left City vulnerable at the back, prompting Guardiola to seek urgent cover while managing squad depth in attack.

City have already made a splash this window by securing Antoine Semenyo from Bournemouth in a £62.5m deal, adding physicality and pace to their forward line. However, this arrival has intensified speculation over the futures of young wingers like Oscar Bobb and Savinho, who have struggled for consistent minutes. Savinho, the Brazilian sensation signed from Girona in 2024, has shown flashes of brilliance but faces fierce competition in Guardiola’s stacked squad.

Savinho is now at the center of the proposed swap. The 21-year-old dynamo, known for his electric dribbling and flair, would head to Celtic on a permanent or loan-plus-fee arrangement. In return, City could receive a promising talent or cash injection to bolster their defense. The move would represent shrewd business for both parties: City gain resources for pressing needs, while Celtic secure a high-potential star to ignite their attack.

Martin O’Neill, recently reappointed as Celtic’s interim manager until the end of the season following Wilfried Nancy’s brief and turbulent tenure, will be excited to have him join his Celtic side. O’Neill, a legendary figure at Parkhead with a trophy-laden first spell from 2000-2005, has emphasized the need for quality additions to challenge league leaders Hearts. Savinho’s creativity and directness could perfectly complement Celtic’s high-tempo style, providing the spark O’Neill craves in domestic and European battles.

For Guardiola, the deal underscores a pragmatic shift — prioritizing squad balance over hoarding talent. With City still in the Premier League title hunt despite defensive woes, this swap could prove masterful if it delivers the reinforcements Pep needs.

As talks intensify, football fans on both sides of the border await confirmation of what could be one of January’s standout pieces of business.