In the frenetic final weeks of the 2025 summer transfer window, a sensational rumor sent shockwaves through football circles: Celtic, the Scottish Premiership giants, had reportedly set their sights on Manchester City’s Jack Grealish, one of England’s most high-profile stars. The claim, emerging just as Grealish sealed a season-long loan to Everton, suggested that Celtic had “planted” the story to signal their ambition, even after the deal with the Toffees was finalized. The audacious narrative, while dismissed by some as far-fetched, has sparked debate about Celtic’s transfer strategy and their desire to make a splash on the European stage.
Jack Grealish, the 29-year-old England international, completed his loan move to Everton from Manchester City in August 2025, a transfer that included a £50 million buy option and saw Everton cover 75% of his £300,000-a-week wages. The move was a lifeline for Grealish, who had fallen out of favor under Pep Guardiola, starting just seven Premier League games last season. “I’m over the moon to have signed for Everton—it’s massive for me, honestly,” Grealish said, citing the persuasive talks with Everton manager David Moyes as a key factor. “As soon as I spoke to the manager, I knew there was only one place that I wanted to go.”
Yet, as the ink dried on his Everton contract, whispers surfaced that Celtic had expressed interest in the former Aston Villa captain before his Merseyside switch. The rumor, described as “ludicrous” by some fans, suggested Celtic’s inquiry was more about generating buzz than a realistic pursuit. “I just couldn’t take this one seriously,” said Keith Wyness, former CEO of Everton, Aston Villa, and Aberdeen. “I just don’t think Jack would ever have gone to Celtic, and I think it’s more about Celtic putting out a story in the media than anything else.” Wyness’s skepticism highlighted the financial chasm—Celtic’s entire wage bill, estimated at £1.175 million per week, dwarfs Grealish’s hefty salary, making a move to Glasgow improbable.
## Celtic’s Transfer Ambition
The Grealish rumor, whether strategic or speculative, underscores Celtic’s hunger to bolster their squad under manager Brendan Rodgers. With the transfer window closing on September 1, 2025, Rodgers is under pressure to strengthen his attacking options, especially with a crucial Champions League play-off against Kairat Almaty looming. “Our job between now and the end of the window is to make Celtic the very best that we possibly can,” Rodgers declared after a 2-0 victory over Aberdeen. The club’s interest in Grealish, however fleeting, signals their intent to compete with Europe’s elite, even if financial realities limit their reach. “A 29-year-old Jack Grealish joining Celtic would’ve been a huge statement for Celtic’s vision and also Scottish football as a whole,” one optimistic fan tweeted, reflecting the excitement such a move could have sparked.
Celtic’s transfer activity has been modest, with only £3 million spent on fees, despite a windfall from Jeremie Frimpong’s Liverpool transfer. The club is also eyeing West Ham’s Andy Irving, a one-cap Scotland international, to add midfield depth. The Grealish story, while unlikely, aligns with Celtic’s pattern of testing the waters with high-profile names, as seen in past links to Federico Chiesa. “Sorry we didn’t sign anyone, but we did try and get Jack Grealish in all fairness,” one fan jokingly imagined chairman Peter Lawwell saying, capturing the mix of ambition and realism among supporters.
## Grealish’s Path Forward
For Grealish, the Everton move offers a chance to revive his career and reclaim his England spot ahead of the 2026 World Cup. “I want to say thank you to the fans for all of the messages I’ve had already,” he said, embracing the warm welcome from Everton supporters. His decision to stay in the Premier League, rather than consider Celtic or other suitors like Napoli and Fenerbahce, reflects his focus on high-visibility football. “No way Jack would have gone up there,” Wyness insisted, noting that Grealish, still in his prime, wasn’t ready for a perceived step down. His choice of Everton’s No. 18 shirt, inspired by idols Wayne Rooney and Paul Gascoigne, underscores his ambition to shine at Goodison Park.
## A Tale of Ambition and Speculation
The Celtic-Grealish saga, whether a calculated media ploy or a genuine inquiry, has ignited debate about the club’s place in modern football. For fans, it’s a tantalizing glimpse of what could be, even if the financial and competitive gaps make such a signing unlikely. “Celtic made enquiries? Hello Man City, can we have Jack on loan please? ‘He’s on £300k a week.’ If we pay him £500 a week, will you pay the rest?” one supporter quipped online, highlighting the absurdity of the economics. Yet, the rumor serves a purpose, showcasing Celtic’s desire to be part of the conversation, even if their targets remain out of reach.
As the transfer window nears its close, Celtic’s focus shifts to realistic reinforcements, but the Grealish story will linger as a bold, if improbable, statement of intent. For Grealish, now donning Everton blue, the path to redemption lies in the Premier League, far from the Scottish rumors that briefly set the football world abuzz.
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