Celtic track Dolan & potential Frimpong windfall – gossip
Tyrhys Dolan, who was on Celtic’s list of options before signing Jota in the January transfer window, is being monitored by the Scottish champions and Rangers as the 23-year-old winger nears the end of his contract with Blackburn Rovers. (Herald – subscription required), external
Celtic have been handed encouragement in their pursuit of David Strelec, with Slovan Bratislava chief executive Ivan Kmotrik admitting the 24-year-old frontman could be available for a reduced transfer fee in the summer. (Record), external
Jeremie Frimpong has told Bayer Leverkusen he wants to leave this summer and the 24-year-old would be happy to move to Liverpool if they decide to sign a right-back this summer, with former club Celtic due 30% of any profit should any club trigger his £29.5m release clause. (Sky Sports), external
Frimpong, 24, is closing in on a £29.5m move to Liverpool. (Mail), external
Liverpool are now very close to signing Frimpong, with the English champions ready to pay £33.6m to avoid competition from other clubs, including Bayern Munich. (TeamTalk), external
Swansea City have contacted Celtic in a bid to land Darren O’Dea, currently the Scottish champions’ professional player pathway manager, as assistant to new manager Alan Sheehan. (Sky Sports)
Celtic linked with Blackburn Rovers winger Tyrhys Dolan
Celtic are keeping a close eye on Blackburn Rovers winger Tyrhys Dolan, according to reports…
Tyrhys Dolan of Blackburn Rovers controls the ball from Adam Smith of Bournemouth during the Sky Bet Championship match between Blackburn Rovers and AFC Bournemouth at Ewood Park on April 05, 2021 in Blackburn, England. (Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty Images)
As per The Herald, set to become a free agent this summer, the 23-year-old had been among the attacking targets considered by Celtic prior to Jota’s arrival in the January transfer window. Following surgery for a cruciate ligament injury, the Portuguese winger is likely sidelined until the New Year, and manager Brendan Rodgers has acknowledged that reinforcing the attacking line will be a priority this summer.
Arne Engels and Nicolas Kuhn look on as Jota receives treatment. Dundee United 0 Celtic 5 at Tannadice Park on April 26, 2025 (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)
Valued between £5 million and £10 million, Dolan’s age makes him eligible to move across the border for only a modest fee under FIFA’s training compensation rules.
Having come through the academies at Manchester City and Preston North End, Dolan featured in 47 matches across all competitions, tallying seven goals and six assists.
Taylor Harwood-Bellis of Stoke City battles with Tyrhys Dolan of Blackburn Rovers (Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty Images)
Blackburn finished their Championship campaign in seventh spot, narrowly missing out on the play-offs by just two points.
Realistic about the club’s dwindling chances of retaining fan favourite Dolan, boss Valerien Ismael said last week: “He knows the environment he’s got, the love we give him. But at some point, it depends on the offer he has. Sometimes the offer dictates your decision.”
“When you put yourself in a strong position in the transfer market and with your performances, you can get the rewards with a bigger offer, better opportunities. You have to accept this part of the game. We will see, it is about negotiations. He is an important player in the team and that’s what we can give him.”
Dolan has not signed a new contract at Ewood Park, with interest growing from clubs both in England and overseas. Interestingly, theRangers have also made enquiries regarding the former England U20 international’s availability.
Still searching for a permanent manager – with Davide Ancelotti emerging as the leading candidate – the Ibrox club’s recruitment approach may change under new Director of Football Kevin Thelwell, if the much discussed takeover by Andrew Cavenagh and the 49ers group is ever completed.
Conor Spence
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