Celtic sign Colombian forward Camilo Duran on five-year deal for £6m
The 24-year-old Colombian forward arrives after a standout season in Azerbaijan, bringing goals and Champions League experience to Glasgow
Celtic have made their first move of the summer transfer window following the signing of Colombian forward Camilo Duran, on a five-year deal from Qarabag, subject to international clearance.
The Scottish champions have been tracking attacking reinforcements following last season’s domestic success and renewed ambitions in Europe, and the 24-year-old arrives with a growing reputation after an impressive campaign in Azerbaijan. He scored 15 goals across all competitions last term, including five in the UEFA Champions League, while also contributing 10 assists.
Duran has already linked up with Martin O’Neill’s squad at their pre-season training camp in Portugal, where Celtic are laying the groundwork for another title defence and looking to qualify for the Champions League proper after failing to qualify last season. His arrival offers versatility across the front line, with the Colombian capable of operating centrally or drifting into wider channels.
For Celtic, the move represents a calculated step into a broader recruitment market. While the club has traditionally leaned on European and domestic scouting networks, Duran’s emergence from South American pathways into European competition has clearly caught attention, particularly given his composure in Champions League fixtures.
Speaking after completing the move, Duran framed the transfer as a defining moment in his career. He described joining Celtic as “a dream come true” and expressed a clear desire to make an immediate impact, both domestically and in Europe. His comments also reflected a player acutely aware of the platform Glasgow offers, not only in terms of silverware but visibility on the international stage.
“It’s a dream come true to sign for a big club like Celtic,” he said. “When I first heard of the interest there was absolutely no doubt in my mind. I’m just excited to get going and score lots of goals.”
Duran’s Champions League experience is likely to be central to Celtic’s thinking. His five goals in last season’s competition came in a Qarabag side often cast as underdogs, yet his ability to influence games at that level suggests a player comfortable under pressure, something Celtic have sought to address in recent European campaigns.
There is also a historical dimension to the move. Duran becomes the first Colombian to represent the club, a milestone he acknowledged with pride, while also linking his performances at Celtic to broader international ambitions.
“I give it my all in every game, with a lot of effort and dedication, and hopefully the goals will come,” he said. “It’s an honour to be the first Colombian to play for Celtic… and I hope that being here and working well, then one day playing for my country will become true.”
Celtic supporters will hope Duran’s blend of work rate, technical ability and European experience can translate quickly to the demands of Scottish football. With pre-season under way and expectations already building, his integration into O’Neill’s system may prove one of the more intriguing subplots of the early campaign.