Otele and Kovacevic for a combined £9 million is an absolute steal. If we have any aspirations of winning the title, then Michael Nicholson needs to go all out to snap them up…
As touched on by my fellow Celtic Star colleague Conor Spence in a recent article, Philip Otele and Franko Kovacevic are two names reportedly on the radar of the club, and are ones that should have us extremely excited at a time when we’re all low on morale regarding our board’s underwhelming record on the recruitment front.
Franko Kovacevic of NK Celje runs with the ball whilst under pressure from Paddy Barrett of Shelbourne during the UEFA Conference League 2025/26 League Phase MD6 match between NK Celje and Shelbourne FC at Stadion Celje on December 18, 2025 in Celje, Slovenia. (Photo by Jurij Kodrun/Getty Images)
Otele, a powerful and tricky goalscoring wide man who plays for Basle is available for a knockdown price of £6 million, whilst Croatian Kovacevic who plays for Slovenian side NK Celje is a centre forward who is in the midst of a terrific run of form, scoring 25 goals in 28 games in all competitions this campaign, including an impressive 12 in European competition, and is available for the bargain price of £3 million.
What’s more, both players are 26 years of age, and are anything but project players having started their career at the bottom of the ladder, and excelled to their current status which sees them currently performing effectively and efficiently at the top level.
They are both without question two players of the first team ready category.
Otele is a creative, powerful and pacy winger who also knows the way to goal, something we are badly lacking on the offensive front. Meanwhile, Kovacevic is just as impressive. The Croatian who can also operate on the wing due to his technical ability, is more of an out and out target man as his stats suggest, and he excels in the box, whilst being decent in the air, something we badly lack at this particular moment.
It’s pretty obvious that our offensive area is in need of great attention, and with a title to be won, we need more creative and firepower if we want to stand a chance of clinching five in a row come May.
Players such as Otele and Kovacevic can help us achieve that, and at such an affordable price, we have to go all out to get them a snapped up. If we have any aspirations of defending our title successfully, then we need to get it done ASAP.
Celtic Board at Falkirk Stadium. Falkirk v Celtic, Scottish Premiership, Falkirk Stadium, 14 January 2026. Photo Vagelis Georgariou
What are we waiting for, Michael?
Just an Ordinary Bhoy
🚨 Celje president Valerij Kolotilo has effectively put a €5m+ price tag on Franko Kovacevic.
With Slovenian record sales sitting at €5m, Celtic would need to break the league transfer record to land the striker in January. 🍀 ⬇️ https://t.co/0PgFCeKwD6
— Michael Shearer (@MichaelcShearer) January 15, 2026
Morning Gossip: Todays rumours are offering West Ham striker Callum Wilson a pay as you play deal. Strange link to FC Basel LW winger Philip Otele. Franko Kovacevic asking price set at €5m. Still links to Bowie. Also talk we are looking for a RCB & CM. Clock ticking @CelticFC HH pic.twitter.com/i91NAemgVU
— Celtic Gossip (@CelticGossip) January 16, 2026
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