Celtic Submits Opening Bid for Feyenoord Right-Back Jordan Lotomba Ahead of Transfer Deadline
Celtic has launched an official opening bid for Feyenoord right-back Jordan Lotomba, with both clubs currently locked in active negotiations over a potential transfer, according to multiple reports from Tuesday. The 27-year-old Swiss defender, who remains under contract in Rotterdam until mid-2027, is reportedly open to making the switch to the Scottish Premiership as the transfer window draws to a close.
Fantasy & Market Impact
- Squad Depth Adjustments: Lotomba’s potential departure clears crucial salary cap space for Feyenoord’s technical director Dévy Rigaux as part of an ongoing squad overhaul under head coach Giovanni van Bronckhorst.
- Scottish Market Advantage: Celtic retains a vital regulatory edge, as the Scottish transfer window remains open until Thursday, September 3, 2026, granting them extra time past the Dutch Deadline Day to finalize negotiations.
- Defensive Cover: Celtic’s aggressive pursuit is directly tied to a long-term injury for regular starter Alistair Johnston, who is sidelined until October or November.
Untangling the Tactical Fit and Roster Dynamics
Feyenoord originally acquired Lotomba from OGC Nice for a reported €2.2 million in September 2024. This season, Lotomba has found regular minutes hard to come by, logging just 34 minutes across two Eredivisie substitute appearances, though he managed to contribute a single assist in that limited sample size.
With technical director Dévy Rigaux orchestrating a broader roster trim, moving the 27-year-old defender allows Feyenoord to streamline their wage bill.
Addressing Celtic’s Defensive Crisis
Over in Glasgow, Celtic’s urgency in the transfer market stems entirely from a significant personnel crisis in the backline. Regular right-back Alistair Johnston suffered a major injury setback, leaving the Scottish giants vulnerable ahead of critical domestic and European fixtures. Johnston is expected to remain sidelined until October or November, forcing the front office to scour the market for immediate, reliable defensive cover.
Assistant manager Shaun Maloney addressed the club’s active search during media rounds, confirming the internal strategy. “We kijken momenteel heel gericht naar versterkingen voor de achterhoede om de balans in de selectie te waarborgen,” Maloney stated regarding the club’s targeted defensive acquisitions to relieve pressure on younger squad members.
| Metric / Detail | Jordan Lotomba (Feyenoord) | Alistair Johnston (Celtic) |
|---|---|---|
| Age | 27 | 27 |
| Current Contract Expiry | Mid-2027 | Long-term |
| 2026/27 Domestic Appearances | 2 (34 minutes) | Sidelined (Injury) |
| Expected Return / Status | Active / In Transfer Talks | Out until Oct/Nov |
Navigating the Deadline Clock
While the Dutch transfer window slams shut in alignment with major continental leagues, the Scottish Football Association operates on a slightly offset timeline. Celtic has until Thursday, September 3, 2026, at 17:00 local time to complete paperwork, medicals, and registration formalities.
According to reports covering the negotiations, Feyenoord and Celtic are discussing multiple structural frameworks, weighing both a permanent transfer and a potential loan deal with conditional clauses. As the clock winds down on both fronts, Lotomba’s willingness to embrace a new chapter in Scotland gives the Premiership side a distinct advantage in finalizing the paperwork before the Scottish deadline passes.
Disclaimer: The fantasy and market insights provided are for informational and entertainment purposes only and do not constitute financial or betting advice.
