Johnny Kenny’s Celtic future takes fresh twist as uncertainty grows over striker

Johnny Kenny’s Celtic future thrown into fresh doubt after Steven Schumacher admission

Johnny Kenny’s Celtic future has been plunged into further uncertainty after Bolton Wanderers manager Steven Schumacher admitted he would “love” to bring the striker back to the club.

Kenny has been recovering from injury and played no part in Celtic’s pre-season preparations. The 23-year-old spent the second half of last season on loan at Bolton, where he quickly became a fans’ favourite as the Trotters secured promotion back to the Championship.

The Republic of Ireland forward left Celtic in January after scoring six goals in 22 appearances during the 2025/26 campaign. His final outing under Martin O’Neill came as a substitute in the 2-2 Europa League draw with Bologna on January 22 before heading south for regular football.

Kenny made an immediate impact in League One, registering six goals and three assists in just 14 appearances before suffering a season-ending knee injury on the final day of the campaign.

The injury ruled him out of Bolton’s play-off victories over Bradford City and Stockport County, although Schumacher’s side still sealed promotion at Wembley.

Now back in Glasgow, Kenny faces an even tougher battle for minutes.

The arrivals of Camilo Duran and Kasper Hogh have strengthened Celtic’s attacking options, while highly-rated youngster Callum Osmand is also hoping to force his way into Martin O’Neill’s plans.

That has inevitably fuelled speculation over another move away from Parkhead.

Schumacher has made no secret of his admiration for the striker but admits any deal would be difficult to complete.

Speaking to BBC Radio Manchester, he said:

“Who knows?

“I’ve spoken openly and not hidden the fact that I thought Johnny did a great job for us last season. He was a real bonus for us when we signed him in January.

“He was a player I tried to sign last summer, but Celtic needed him to stay. We managed to get him in January, he made a huge impact, scored some really important goals and got some assists.

“He’s a player I’d love to work with again because he was a brilliant character.

“Now, whether we can make that happen again, I’m not sure. I don’t know whether we can financially afford it. I don’t know whether he’ll be available from Celtic, whether that’s on loan or permanently.

“We’re not sure, but he’s certainly someone I’d love to work with again.”

Schumacher’s comments leave little doubt about Bolton’s desire to reunite with Kenny. The biggest obstacle appears to be whether the newly-promoted Championship club can structure a deal that suits both themselves and Celtic.

From Kenny’s perspective, the biggest question is where his opportunities will come from if he remains at Parkhead.

Martin O’Neill previously suggested he would assess his attacking options once Celtic completed their summer recruitment, but the arrivals of Duran and Hogh have only increased competition for places.

At 23, another campaign spent on the fringes of the first team is unlikely to benefit the striker’s development.

His spell at Bolton proved he can thrive with regular football, while Schumacher clearly believes he is capable of making the step up to the Championship.

A permanent transfer remains one possibility, but another loan move could represent the ideal compromise, allowing Kenny to continue his development while giving Celtic the chance to reassess his future next summer.

With Bolton eager to bring him back and Kenny facing an increasingly difficult route into Celtic’s attack, the coming weeks could prove pivotal in deciding where the striker plays his football this season.