Celtic transfer news: Johnny Kenny has turned down the chance to rejoin Bolton Wanderers and will stay at Celtic after holding talks with manager Martin O’Neill. Transfer Feed relayed comments from assistant manager Shaun Maloney, who confirmed the Republic of Ireland international had spoken directly with O’Neill before deciding to remain in Glasgow and compete for his place.
Celtic transfer news: Kenny stays after key talks with O’Neill
Maloney brushed aside online claims linking Kenny’s squad number with a possible exit, insisting those reports were simply wrong. Instead, he made it clear that the striker remains part of the first-team group despite missing pre-season because of a knee injury.
His fitness has improved over recent weeks, and Maloney believes Kenny is close to full availability. That gives the 23-year-old a chance to challenge Kasper Høgh, Camilo Durán and Callum Osmand for minutes in a packed attacking department.
Interest never disappeared after Kenny’s productive loan at Bolton. During the 2025/26 Scottish Premiership season, he scored four goals and supplied two assists in 22 league appearances for Celtic, playing only 688 minutes before leaving on loan. He then produced six goals and three assists in 14 League One matches as Bolton secured promotion, making his decision to reject another move a significant one.
Celtic transfer news raises genuine concerns
There is an obvious emotional argument for keeping Kenny. He’s a home-grown success story, earned his senior Republic of Ireland debut last November and returned from England full of confidence. Even so, football decisions can’t rely on sentiment.
His strongest spell arrived because he played every week. Bolton trusted him, built attacks around him and watched his confidence grow with every match. Celtic cannot realistically promise the same.
An £11 million signing in Høgh already sits ahead of him, while Durán adds another attacking option. Even if Kenny impresses in training, league starts could become rare.
Hoops risk his value
From a financial angle, this feels like a missed opportunity. Bolton and Millwall reportedly offered between £1.5 million and £2 million after Kenny’s excellent Championship-winning loan spell placed his value at its highest point.
Those bids represented a clean profit on a player whose route into the starting side looks increasingly crowded. Celtic could have redirected that money into midfield, where greater depth still appears necessary.
Read: Everton ready to strike as £15m-rated Celtic defender pushes for exit
Instead, Kenny stays as another forward chasing limited opportunities. Fifteen-minute substitute appearances and occasional cup starts won’t suit a striker whose game depends on rhythm, movement and regular football. That’s why this decision poses far more risk than reward.
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