Celtic have reportedly made a dramatic U-turn in the transfer market, reviving a move for a player whose proposed switch to Glasgow appeared to have collapsed months ago.
Celtic’s summer transfer business has already produced plenty of twists and turns — but the latest development could be one of the most unexpected yet.
The Hoops have reportedly reignited their interest in Hajduk Split midfielder Niko Sigur, returning to a transfer they came extremely close to completing earlier this year before circumstances at the club caused the deal to fall apart.
According to fresh reports, the 22-year-old Canada international is firmly back on Celtic’s radar as manager Martin O’Neill looks to strengthen his midfield options before the transfer window closes.
And considering how the story unfolded in January, Celtic’s decision to return for Sigur represents a remarkable U-turn.
THE DEAL THAT COLLAPSED
Sigur’s name first became heavily associated with Celtic during the January transfer window.
Reports from Croatia claimed that the versatile midfielder was very close to moving to Glasgow, with Celtic believed to have beaten competition from Wolves for his signature.
At one point, the transfer appeared to be heading towards completion.
Then everything changed.
Celtic underwent another managerial upheaval, with Wilfried Nancy leaving his position and Martin O’Neill returning to the dugout.
The uncertainty surrounding the managerial situation ultimately contributed to the proposed move being put on hold, and the transfer eventually failed to materialise.
A January report even described the move as becoming “unlikely” after the sudden developments at Hajduk and Celtic.
For many Celtic supporters, that looked like the end of the story.
Apparently, it wasn’t.
CELTIC HAVE NOW GONE BACK FOR HIM
Fast-forward several months and Celtic have surprisingly returned to the table.
Reports emerging this week claim that the Scottish champions have revived their interest in Sigur, with the club’s recruitment team once again considering him as an option for O’Neill’s midfield.
The development was first highlighted by reports citing the Daily Record, which stated that Sigur is back on Celtic’s transfer radar.
That is particularly significant given the player’s previous near-move to Parkhead.
Rather than simply moving on after the January disappointment, Celtic appear to have retained an interest in the Canadian and are now considering another attempt to bring him to Scotland.
And this time, the circumstances could be very different.
A PLAYER WHO COULD SOLVE MULTIPLE PROBLEMS
One of the biggest attractions surrounding Sigur is his versatility.
The 22-year-old is primarily a defensive midfielder but is also capable of operating at right-back and even filling in at centre-back.
That flexibility could make him particularly attractive to O’Neill as Celtic continue reshaping their squad.
The timing is also interesting.
Celtic have already completed several major additions this summer, including Kasper Høgh, Camilo Durán, Haissem Hassan and Mika Baur, but uncertainty remains around several midfielders.
Arne Engels is on the verge of a reported £22 million move to West Ham, while the futures of other midfield options have also generated speculation.
That has made midfield reinforcement increasingly important.
Baur has already arrived from Paderborn, but reports suggest Celtic are still looking at additional options.
And Sigur could provide something slightly different.
Rather than being a pure attacking midfielder, he offers defensive security, physicality and the ability to cover several positions.
CELTIC COULD MAKE AN OFFER VERY SOON
Perhaps the most intriguing part of the latest development is that this does not appear to be merely a case of Celtic monitoring the player.
Sport Witness reports that Celtic are expected to contact Hajduk Split in the coming days, with a potential opening offer reported at around €2.9 million.
However, there is an important caveat.
A formal bid had reportedly not yet been submitted at the time of that report.
Hajduk are also understood to value Sigur more highly, with figures in the region of €4-5 million being mentioned in reports.
So while Celtic have revived the move, there is still plenty of work to be done before supporters can start celebrating another signing.
THE WORLD CUP MAY HAVE CHANGED THE PRICE
There is another reason why this saga could be considerably more complicated than it was in January.
Sigur has continued to develop since the original Celtic interest and has represented Canada at international level.
His performances have helped increase his profile, while his versatility has made him an increasingly valuable asset for Hajduk.
Sport Witness reports that the midfielder’s market value has risen following his World Cup involvement, while Hajduk are aware that they could make a significant profit from his sale.
That means Celtic may have returned to the player — but they may not be returning to the same financial conditions that existed months ago.
CELTIC FANS HAVE REASON TO BE INTRIGUED
The reaction among Celtic supporters is likely to be mixed.
Some will remember the January saga and wonder why the club didn’t simply finish the deal when it appeared so close.
Others will see the renewed interest as evidence that Celtic’s recruitment team believe Sigur is still the right player for the squad.
And there is certainly logic behind the move.
The Hoops are entering a crucial period with Champions League football on the line, while O’Neill is attempting to build a squad capable of competing domestically and in Europe.
Celtic have already shown their willingness to spend this summer, with four significant additions arriving in quick succession.
But the expected departure of Engels means another midfield addition could become necessary.
That is where Sigur enters the picture.
THIS TRANSFER SAGA ISN’T OVER YET
Despite the dramatic headline, Celtic supporters should not get carried away just yet.
The latest reports indicate renewed interest and plans to make an approach, rather than a completed agreement.
Hajduk have a player under contract until 2028 and have little reason to sell cheaply.
Celtic therefore still need to agree a fee, convince the Croatian club to part with one of their important players and then negotiate personal terms with Sigur.
But the fact that Celtic have gone back for him after January’s failed move is significant in itself.
A transfer that appeared dead and buried has suddenly been dragged back into the spotlight.
And with the clock ticking on the summer window, Celtic could be about to turn one of their biggest transfer disappointments of 2026 into one of their most surprising signings.
