Celtic Make Tiémoué Bakayoko Transfer Decision After Lennoxtown Clarification

Celtic have decided against offering Tiémoué Bakayoko a contract after it emerged that the former Chelsea midfielder was using the club’s training facilities to maintain his fitness rather than trialling for a deal.

Reports on Friday suggested that the Hoops were assessing the 32-year-old during the international break, sparking speculation that Martin O’Neill could bring the experienced free agent into his squad despite the closure of the transfer window.

However, the situation has now been clarified, with Bakayoko understood to have been training at Lennoxtown to stay in shape while looking for a new club. His visit was not part of a formal assessment by Celtic.

The Frenchman has been without a club since departing Greek outfit PAOK in July 2025. His lack of recent match action is also a major consideration, with his last competitive appearance coming on 10 November 2024.

That lengthy spell away from competitive football would have raised questions about his sharpness and readiness to make an immediate contribution to O’Neill’s team.

Celtic had previously explored the possibility of signing Bakayoko in February. However, the club ultimately opted to recruit former Arsenal and Liverpool midfielder Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain instead.

Bakayoko nevertheless boasts an impressive CV, having played for several prominent European clubs throughout his career. Chelsea paid around £40million to bring him to Stamford Bridge from Monaco in 2017, while his other former sides include AC Milan, Napoli, Lorient and Rennes. He also earned international recognition with France.

As a free agent, Bakayoko could have joined Celtic for domestic competition without waiting for another transfer window. However, he would not have been eligible for the club’s Europa League campaign until the next UEFA registration window.

The possibility of adding an experienced, physically imposing midfielder may have appealed to Celtic, particularly after their recent struggles against Rangers. Those performances have intensified calls for O’Neill to bring greater strength and presence into the middle of the park alongside captain Callum McGregor.

On paper, Bakayoko appeared to possess some of the attributes Celtic have been seeking. However, his prolonged absence from competitive action would have presented a considerable risk, especially with the club needing players capable of making an immediate impact.

Celtic have now clarified the circumstances surrounding his time at Lennoxtown, and the midfielder will not be offered a contract. His visit was simply an opportunity to maintain his fitness as he continues his search for his next club.