Celtic are monitoring São Paulo midfielder Damián Bobadilla as the Scottish club look for midfield reinforcements ahead of the next transfer window.
That claim comes from Paraguayan outlet Versus. They claim the Glasgow side have been tracking the 24-year-old for several months as part of their scouting work in South America.
The report states Celtic’s recruitment department are specifically searching for a midfielder with defensive solidity and strong box-to-box qualities. A profile they believe matches the Paraguay international.
Bobadilla has become a regular presence in São Paulo’s midfield and his performances have started to attract attention in Europe.
The Paraguayan is enjoying an important run of minutes at the Brazilian club, and his current form has not gone unnoticed by clubs abroad.
Interest from Europe
According to the Paraguayan outlet, Celtic are not the only side keeping tabs on the player.
Brighton & Hove Albion have also been linked with the midfielder in recent days, with reports suggesting the Premier League club are following his development as a possible option for the future.
Spanish side Real Betis have also appeared among the clubs monitoring the situation. The report claims exploratory contact has already been made with people close to the player.
For Celtic, however, the focus appears to be on identifying a midfielder capable of contributing both defensively and offensively in the centre of the pitch.
That box-to-box profile is seen as one of Bobadilla’s main strengths.
The monitoring could also be connected to possible midfield departures at Celtic in the summer window. The club would be preparing replacements in advance if players attract offers.
Contract situation and transfer outlook
Bobadilla joined São Paulo from Cerro Porteño in 2024 for around €1.8m (£1.5m).
The Brazilian club secured 60% of his economic rights in the deal. That could become an important factor if European clubs move forward with formal bids.
His contract runs until December 2027, meaning São Paulo are under no immediate pressure to sell.
Still, with the player continuing to perform well in Brazil and representing Paraguay internationally, interest from Europe appears to be building.
For now, Celtic’s approach seems to be focused on monitoring and evaluation. However, the growing attention from multiple clubs suggests Bobadilla could become a name to watch in upcoming transfer windows.
