Celtic Eye Tolaj & Pepple Bargain Swoop from Plymouth Glasgow 2026

Key Points

• Celtic, the Scottish champions, are leading the chase for Plymouth Argyle’s strikers Lorent Tolaj and Bim Pepple, aiming to secure the duo at a bargain price during the summer transfer window.​
• Tolaj, aged 24, joined Plymouth Argyle from Port Vale last summer for £1.2 million and has scored 18 goals this season, including 14 in EFL League One.
• Bim Pepple, 23, transferred from Luton Town to Plymouth for just over £250,000 (potentially rising to £600,000) and has netted 11 goals this season, with nine in League One; he has scored eight in his last nine matches.​
• Together, Tolaj and Pepple have scored 29 goals across all competitions for Plymouth under manager Tom Cleverley, formerly of Manchester United.​
• Interest in the pair extends beyond Celtic, with scouts from several English clubs monitoring them; Pepple has attracted attention from Goztepe (Turkey), other Turkish clubs, Minnesota United, Montreal (MLS), and the Canadian national team.​
• A January move for Tolaj is impossible due to FIFA rules prohibiting players from playing for more than two clubs in one season; he appeared for Port Vale before Argyle.
• Tolaj’s contract with Plymouth runs until June 2029, with a current market value of €500k according to Transfermarkt.​
• Speculation linking Celtic to Tolaj emerged earlier, with unconfirmed reports of a possible £5m fee, but no deal materialised in January.
• Pepple, eligible for Canada despite hailing from Kettering, England, is under observation by the Canadian national team for a potential first cap.​
• Plymouth Argyle recently won 5-2 against Cardiff City, where both Tolaj and Pepple scored twice each.​
• Initial reports of Celtic’s interest came from the Daily Mail, with the Glasgow Times also covering the story based on that source.​

Glasgow (Glasgow Express) February 24, 2026 – Celtic are reportedly eyeing a double transfer swoop for Plymouth Argyle strikers Lorent Tolaj and Bim Pepple, believing they can secure the prolific duo at a bargain price in the summer window.​

Who Are Lorent Tolaj and Bim Pepple?

Lorent Tolaj, a 24-year-old Swiss-Kosovan forward and former Switzerland youth international, made a £1.2 million move to Plymouth Argyle from Port Vale last summer. He has since emerged as a standout performer in EFL League One, scoring 18 goals across all competitions this season, with 14 in the league.

As reported in the Daily Mail, Tolaj has been instrumental under Plymouth’s manager Tom Cleverley, contributing significantly to their attacking output. His form has alerted scouts from multiple clubs, positioning him as a prime target.​

Bim Pepple, officially Aribim Pepple, is a 23-year-old centre-forward eligible to represent Canada despite being from Kettering, England. He joined Plymouth from Luton Town for just over £250,000, with add-ons potentially taking the fee to £600,000.

Pepple has notched 11 goals this season, nine in League One, including a remarkable eight in his last nine matches. The Daily Mail highlighted his brace in Plymouth’s recent 5-2 victory over Cardiff City.​

What Makes This a ‘Bargain’ for Celtic?

Celtic sense an opportunity to land Tolaj and Pepple at low cost due to their relatively modest transfer histories and ongoing contracts. Tolaj’s £1.2 million fee to Plymouth underscores the value, while Pepple’s deal was even cheaper.

The duo’s combined 29 goals this season represent exceptional output for EFL League One players, drawing comparisons to high-value strikers. Plymouth’s position in the Championship or promotion contention could influence fees, but Celtic view summer as ideal timing.​

Reports from TransferFeed note Celtic as leading candidates for Pepple, with Tolaj rumours persisting since autumn.

Why Can’t a Deal Happen in January?

FIFA regulations prevent Tolaj from moving this month, as players cannot represent more than two clubs in a single season. He featured four times for Port Vale before switching to Argyle.

As stated in The Deck, a January swoop for Tolaj is “highly unlikely” due to these rules and timing. Social media speculation suggested a £5m fee, but it remains unconfirmed and deferred to summer.

Pepple’s situation allows more flexibility, but Plymouth’s ambitions under Cleverley make an immediate sale improbable.​

Who Is Guiding Plymouth’s Success?

Tom Cleverley, ex-Manchester United midfielder, manages Plymouth Argyle and has overseen Tolaj and Pepple’s form. The Daily Mail credits his leadership for their 29-goal haul.​

Cleverley’s tenure has elevated Argyle, with recent wins like the 5-2 against Cardiff showcasing the strikers’ prowess—both scoring twice.​

What Other Interest Exists in the Players?

Scouts from several English sides have watched Tolaj and Pepple. Pepple draws weekly inquiries from Goztepe, other Turkish clubs, Minnesota United, and Montreal.​

The Canadian national team eyes Pepple for a debut cap. TransferFeed reports Celtic leading for Pepple.

Argyle Life rumour mill mentioned Celtic’s keenness on Tolaj in January, but no progress.​

How Does This Fit Celtic’s Strategy?

Celtic, under current management, bolster their attack post-January loans like Junior Adamu and Joel Mvuka. A bargain League One double aligns with value signings amid rejected bids for stars like Arne Engels.​

Sky Sports noted Celtic’s Deadline Day activity, rejecting £20m+ for Engels. Summer targets like Tolaj and Pepple fit a pattern of opportunistic buys.

What Is the Background to These Rumours?

The story originated in the Daily Mail on February 24, 2026, detailing Celtic’s lead in the chase. Glasgow Times amplified it, citing the Mail.​

Earlier, 67 Hail Hail and Celtic Rumours covered Tolaj links, with January verdicts ruling out deals. Transfermarkt values Tolaj at €500k, expiring 2029.

The Deck dismissed January moves on January 20, 2026. Argyle Life noted rumours on January 20.

Lorent Tolaj’s Stats and Path

Tolaj, 24, scored 15 goals in 25 appearances post-Port Vale. ESPN profiles him as Plymouth forward. Contract to 2029.

Bim Pepple’s Rise

Pepple, 23, Canadian-eligible, excels lately. TransferFeed tracks Celtic interest.

Plymouth Argyle’s Context

Argyle thrive in League One under Cleverley, with Tolaj (16 goals, 4 assists in 29 games per rumours). Recent form bolsters transfer appeal.

Celtic’s Broader Transfer Landscape

Sky Sports reported loans and rejections, positioning summer for calculated risks like this swoop. No other direct links, but pattern evident.​

Potential Implications for Summer Window

A successful double signing could transform Celtic’s forward line at minimal cost. Competition may drive fees up, but initial bargain perception holds.​

Plymouth may resist if promotion nears, per ongoing monitoring. Fans await official moves as rumours solidify.