Key Points
- Celtic are being linked with former Hibs striker Kieron Bowie as a possible summer target.
- The report says Bowie could be viewed as a potential replacement for Arne Engels if the midfielder moves on.
- Martin O’Neill has agreed to remain as Celtic head coach, which is expected to shape the club’s transfer plans.
- Celtic are anticipated to strengthen their first-team options ahead of next season.
- Bowie joined Hellas Verona in Italy only six months ago, according to the report, so any move would depend on his situation there.
- The club are entering a period of possible squad reshaping during the summer window.
Celtic FC (Glasgow Express) June 15, 2026 – Celtic are being linked with Kieron Bowie as the club weighs up summer recruitment options, with reports suggesting the former Hibs striker is being monitored as a possible replacement for Arne Engels if the midfielder departs. The speculation comes as Celtic prepare for a busy window and begin work under Martin O’Neill, who has now agreed to stay on as head coach.
As reported by BBC Sport, Bowie’s move away from Hibernian was only recently completed, with the striker leaving after a short spell of uncertainty over his future. BBC Sport also reported that Hellas Verona are the club he joined in Italy, underlining why any Celtic move would have to account for his current contract position.
What has been reported about Bowie?
BBC Sport reported on 30 January 2026 that Bowie was preparing to leave Hibernian, while another BBC Sport article the same month said Hellas Verona were interested in the striker and that he had become a target in Serie A.
The later BBC Sport report confirmed that Bowie eventually joined Verona on a four-and-a-half-year deal, making him Hibernian’s club-record sale.
That background matters because it shows Bowie is not simply an available domestic target, but a player who has already moved to Italy and would therefore require any interested club to negotiate around an existing deal. Celtic’s reported interest should be understood in that context rather than as a straightforward signing.
How does O’Neill’s deal matter?
Celtic’s decision to keep Martin O’Neill in charge is central to the wider transfer picture, because managerial continuity often shapes recruitment plans.
BBC Sport reported on 11 June 2026 that O’Neill was confirmed as Celtic’s permanent manager after two interim spells that helped deliver a league and cup double.
That development suggests Celtic are planning for the summer with a clear leadership structure in place. It also means any incoming targets, including Bowie, would likely be assessed against the tactical and squad needs identified by O’Neill and the club’s recruitment team.
Could Bowie replace Engels?
The report linking Bowie with Celtic frames him as a possible replacement for Arne Engels, which suggests the club may be preparing for movement in midfield or a broader squad reshuffle. That is a significant point because it shows the Bowie link is not just about adding another attacker, but about fitting into a wider structural change.
However, the available reporting does not confirm any agreement involving Engels, only that Bowie is being discussed in that context. So at this stage, the claim should be treated as transfer speculation rather than a confirmed swap or direct succession plan.
What has Celtic said?
No direct club statement on Bowie has been reported in the material reviewed here. The strongest confirmed information is that Celtic have appointed O’Neill permanently and are expected to strengthen their first team for next season.
The BBC’s earlier reporting on Celtic’s recruitment also showed that the club has previously been open about the need for improvements in how it identifies and completes signings.
That history helps explain why a player such as Bowie could surface in transfer discussion even before any formal approach becomes public.
Background of the development
Kieron Bowie’s career has moved quickly in recent months, with BBC Sport reporting first on his pending Hibs exit and then on Hellas Verona’s interest before confirming his move to the Italian side.
That sequence placed him on the radar of clubs beyond Scotland and raised his profile in the transfer market.
At the same time, Celtic have entered a new phase after confirming Martin O’Neill as permanent manager. BBC Sport and Sky Sports both reported that O’Neill’s appointment followed a successful spell that delivered domestic honours, and that the club had already been holding talks over the role before making the decision.
Prediction: what could it mean for Celtic fans?
For Celtic supporters, the main impact would be in how the club balances squad depth, age profile and transfer value during the summer window.
If Bowie remains on the club’s radar, it would suggest Celtic are looking at younger options who can fit into a long-term rebuilding plan rather than only chasing established names.
For fans, the likely effect is continued transfer speculation until Celtic clarify their priorities and any interest becomes concrete. If the club do move for players in Bowie’s profile, it would point to a window focused on both immediate competition and future development.
