Key Points
- Swiss international right-back Jordan Lotomba travels to Glasgow on Wednesday to complete a permanent move to Celtic.
- Feyenoord gave the 27-year-old permission to undergo a medical after the two clubs agreed terms on the transfer.
- Martin O’Neill targeted defensive cover following a muscular injury to Alistair Johnston, who is out until late October.
- According to Dutch site 1908.nl and Sky Sports reporter Anthony Joseph, both sides are now finalizing paperwork and medical checks.
- Celtic must register Lotomba by Wednesday evening for UEFA competitions, ahead of the Scottish domestic deadline at 5:00 pm on Thursday.
- During his time at Feyenoord, Lotomba scored one goal and made five assists in 41 appearances.
Celtic FC (Glasgow Express) September 2, 2026 — Is Celtic manager Martin O’Neill about to solve his defensive cover dilemma before the European deadline? Scottish champions Celtic are closing in on a late move for Feyenoord right-back Jordan Lotomba, with the Swiss international granted permission to travel to Scotland on Wednesday to complete the transfer. O’Neill has prioritised defensive reinforcements following a muscular injury to first-choice full-back Alistair Johnston, which will keep the Canadian international out of action until the end of October. Lotomba is now poised to become the latest addition to the Celtic squad as the Scottish transfer window approaches its final hours.
As reported by Ryan McGinlay of The Herald, Dutch outlet 1908.nl revealed that the 27-year-old is set to undergo a medical and finalise the remaining details of his proposed switch to Celtic. While the Dutch transfer window closes on Wednesday evening, Celtic hold extra time to structure domestic paperwork under Scotland’s deadline of 5:00 pm on Thursday. However, the urgency remains heightened as the deadline to submit the final European squad to UEFA falls on Wednesday night.
As reported by Anthony Joseph of Sky Sports, Celtic and Feyenoord have reached an agreement over a permanent deal for the right-back. Joseph stated that Lotomba was cleared to travel to Scotland to conclude the medical examinations and finalize personal terms.
Further reporting by TEAMtalk confirmed that Lotomba departed the Netherlands on Wednesday as both clubs ironed out final documentation. The 27-year-old—who turns 28 later this month—joined Feyenoord from Ligue 1 side Nice in September 2024. During his stint in Rotterdam, Lotomba accrued 41 appearances across all competitions, scoring one goal and delivering five assists.
As detailed by Celtic Shorts, Celtic stepped up their pursuit by tabling a formal offer to Feyenoord after Johnston was sidelined. Johnston’s injury left O’Neill relying on teenager Colby Donovan and experienced defender Anthony Ralston as his sole recognized options at right-back.
Lotomba is poised to join an active recruitment window for Celtic, following the previous arrivals of Camilo Duran, Kasper Hogh, Mika Baur, Haissem Hassan, and Oliver Sorensen.
What Is the Background of This Particular Development?
Celtic’s pursuit of defensive reinforcements stems directly from an injury crisis on the right flank of their defence. Canadian international Alistair Johnston suffered a muscular injury earlier in the campaign, ruling him out of first-team action until at least late October. This left Martin O’Neill with Anthony Ralston as the primary senior right-back alongside 17-year-old academy graduate Colby Donovan. Given Celtic’s intense fixture schedule across the Scottish Premiership, domestic cup competitions, and the UEFA Europa League phase, the club determined that additional depth was mandatory.
Lotomba became a primary target due to his pedigree across top European leagues. The defender established his reputation at Young Boys before earning a move to French side Nice, later transferring to Feyenoord in 2024. With 8 caps for the Switzerland national team, Lotomba brings continental and international experience to Glasgow.
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How Will This Transfer Affect Celtic’s Season and Supporters?
The acquisition of Jordan Lotomba provides crucial tactical flexibility and stability for Celtic during a dense autumn schedule.
- Immediate Squad Depth: Lotomba’s arrival alleviates reliance on young Colby Donovan while providing direct competition for Anthony Ralston. This preserves tactical consistency without forcing central defenders out of position during Johnston’s recovery.
- European Readiness: Capable of operating across the full-back position and pushing further up the flank, Lotomba gives Martin O’Neill proven options for Europa League group matches. Read Celtic
- Long-Term Competition: Rather than serving as a short-term loan fix, a permanent deal ensures Celtic retain strong competition for the right-back role even after Alistair Johnston returns to full fitness.
