Patrick Bamford is a free agent after Leeds United terminated his contract a year before it was due to expire. Since his Elland Road departure, nothing has materialised regarding a new club.
But that changed on Tuesday evening. Reports emerged out of nowhere that Brendan Rodgers was keen to lure one-time England man Patrick Bamford to Celtic, after failing to sign a striker on deadline day.
It is claimed that Celtic have missed out on Denmark international Kasper Dolberg, while a late move for Celtic striker David Fofana fell through. He chose Charlton, but that was too late to get over the line.
Meanwhile, Celtic are left light up top, and Bamford held talks over a move to Parkhead. However, any hope of Bamford moving to the Scottish champions was quickly diminished by late Tuesday evening.
Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty ImagesCeltic sign Kelechi Iheanacho after Sevilla released striker
Alongside Bamford, reports said Celtic had also looked at Emmanuel Dennis after he left Nottingham Forest on a free. But on Tuesday evening, Rodgers completed a reunion with one of his old strikers.
Celtic confirmed the signing of Nigeria international Kelechi Iheanacho. The former Manchester City striker, who spent last season on loan at Middlesbrough, was a free agent after he left Sevilla on a free.
✍️ 🇳🇬 Celtic Football Club is delighted to announce the signing of Kelechi Iheanacho on a one-year deal, subject to international clearance, with the club having the option of a further year.#WelcomeKelechi | #CelticFC🍀
— Celtic Football Club (@CelticFC) September 2, 2025
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Celtic had to bring in a striker before 11pm to register before the Europa League deadline and it seems they have got Iheanacho over the line. Rodgers worked with Iheanacho during his Leicester City days.
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Where next for Bamford as possible Celtic move comes to a halt
So, unless Celtic want to bring in another free agent after Iheanacho, it seems like a move to Glasgow is now off the cards for Bamford. So, where could the Leeds hero end up next?
Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images
Well, Bamford has shared his openness about a move to the MLS in the past. But at the moment, the striker may want to remain in England for a few more seasons, and will need to wait for an opportunity.
Leeds, meanwhile, failed to bring in an attacker on the final day and many are of the opinion that they are now light in attack. Micah Richards believes ‘something is missing’ in Daniel Farke’s side at the moment.