Celtic have completed the signing of Colombian striker Camilo Duran from Qarabag in a deal worth around £6 million. The 24-year-old has put pen to paper on a five-year contract, becoming the first new arrival of the summer transfer window under manager Martin O'Neill.
"I'm very happy, it's a dream come true to sign for a big club like Celtic, the biggest in Scotland, and I'm just excited to get going and score lots of goals," Duran told club media. "When I first heard of the interest there was absolutely no doubt in my mind and I'm just excited to get playing with the boys."
Duran's Champions League Pedigree
Duran emerged as a priority target for the Hoops after a standout campaign with the Azerbaijani side, where he netted 15 goals across all competitions. Crucially, five of those strikes came in the Champions League group stage, highlighting his ability to perform on the biggest stage.
The forward, who began his European journey with Portuguese club Portimonense, is now relishing the opportunity to replicate that form in green and white. "It was a dream come true playing in the Champions League. That's what you dream of as a kid, so to score goals was amazing and that's what I want to continue doing here, scoring goals in the Champions League," he added.
Duran also noted the pride in becoming the first Colombian to play for Celtic. "It's an honour to be the first Colombian to play for Celtic. It's been a dream of mine since I was a kid (to play for my country) and I hope that being here at Celtic and working well, then one day that will become true."
Sutton Calls for £50m Spending Spree
Former Celtic striker and Sky Sports pundit Chris Sutton believes the club must push on with a significant squad rebuild this summer, suggesting an outlay of over £50 million could be necessary to retain the Scottish Premiership title and be competitive in Europe.
"Martin worked wonders last season. I didn't see Celtic winning the title from the position which he was put in on a couple of occasions," Sutton told Sky Sports News. "But I still think you can't get away from the fact there needs to be a lot of change at Celtic in terms of recruitment. They've got the Champions League qualifier which is really important... It'll be interesting to see who goes out from Celtic. It looks like Reo Hatate will go, possibly Daizen Maeda, Arne Engels but they're big players for the team. So, who are Celtic going to replace those type of players with? I think that Celtic are possibly going to have to spend up to or more than £50m really because the squad does need a rebuild."
So far, Celtic have also secured the return of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain on a one-year deal following his loan spell, but Duran represents the first fresh face through the door.
Title Defence Begins Against Dundee
Celtic's 2026/27 Scottish Premiership campaign gets underway under the lights at Parkhead on Monday, August 3, with a home clash against Dundee. That match, kicking off at 7:30pm, will be shown live on Sky Sports as part of a groundbreaking opening weekend where all six top-flight fixtures are broadcast live for the first time.
With the new signing in tow, O'Neill will hope Duran can hit the ground running as Celtic target a successful title defence and a return to the Champions League group stage.
Key Takeaways
- Camilo Duran joins Celtic from Qarabag for £6m on a five-year deal, becoming the club's first new summer signing.
- The Colombian striker scored 15 goals last season, including 5 in the Champions League.
- Chris Sutton believes Celtic need to spend over £50m this window to rebuild the squad, with key players potentially leaving.
- Celtic begin their Premiership title defence against Dundee on August 3, live on Sky Sports.
- Duran is the first Colombian to play for the Scottish champions.
Quick Facts
Player: Camilo Duran
Age: 24
Nationality: Colombian
Previous Club: Qarabag FK
Transfer Fee: £6 million (approx.)
Contract Length: Five years
2025/26 Goals: 15 (5 in Champions League)