CELTIC fans’ long wait for striking reinforcements appears to be almost over. Czech international Tomas Cvancara has dropped the biggest hint yet that he is bound for Parkhead after teasing his imminent arrival on social media.
The 25-year-old forward has been the subject of intense negotiations between the Hoops and Bundesliga side Borussia Monchengladbach. On Tuesday night, Cvancara posted a snap alongside his agent, David Nehoda, seemingly aboard a flight destined for Scotland.
The 6ft 3in hitman has already been granted permission to skip training in Germany to finalise the move. Barring any late hurdles, a loan deal until the end of the season—which includes an option for Celtic to buy—is expected to be signed within the next 24 hours.
Tynecastle Debut Looming?
The timing of the breakthrough is perfect for Martin O’Neill. With a top-of-the-table showdown against league leaders Hearts looming this Sunday at Tynecastle, Cvancara could be registered just in time to lead the line in Gorgie.
Celtic are currently trailing the Jambos by six points, and the need for a physical presence up front has become critical following injuries to Kelechi Iheanacho and young Callum Osmand. Cvancara’s arrival would also allow Daizen Maeda to return to his preferred role on the wing, a move O’Neill is keen to make to stretch opposition defences.
Redemption After Turkey Wage Drama
Cvancara arrives with a point to prove after a turbulent start to the 2025/26 campaign. As reported by the Daily Record, his loan spell at Turkish side Antalyaspor was cut short earlier this month after the club reportedly failed to pay his wages.
Despite interest from across Europe—including Serie A duo Hellas Verona and Cremonese, and even a speculative link to Rangers—it is Celtic who have won the race. The Czech star, who once cost Gladbach over €10m, is hungry to recapture the form that saw him net 24 goals for Sparta Prague.
The Maswanhise Factor
While Cvancara looks set to be the first major attacking arrival of the window, it remains to be seen how this affects Celtic’s pursuit of Motherwell star Tawanda Maswanhise.
O’Neill was spotted on a scouting mission at Fir Park earlier this week, but with Motherwell demanding a high fee for their top scorer, the Gladbach man’s arrival might see the interest in Maswanhise move to the back burner until the final hours of the window.
How do you feel about this one, Hoops fans? Is a 6ft 3in target man the key to overhauling Hearts at the top, or is there another position O’Neill needs to prioritise? Let us know in the comments!
Co-Founder of Fitba Focus and MMA UK. A lifelong Rangers fan and former player, he combines over a decade of sports media experience with a deep-seated passion for the Scottish game. From the Ibrox stands to the lower-league terraces, Frankie is dedicated to providing honest, fan-led analysis of the full Scottish pyramid.
