Celtic Rejects Tiemoue Bakayoko Deal After Training Trial

Celtic have decided against signing former Chelsea and AC Milan midfielder Tiemoue Bakayoko after he trained with the Scottish champions during the international break, with manager Martin ONeill ruling out a move for the free agent.

According to BBC Sport, Bakayoko, 32, had been assessed by Celtic after arriving as a free agent. The midfielder has been without a club since leaving PAOK in July 2025, according to The Herald.

The move followed reports from Celtic Way that the club had been evaluating Bakayoko during the international break. Celtic News Now also highlighted reports that supporters were seeking greater strength and physicality in midfield.

Celtic manager Martin ONeill addressed the situation and confirmed the club would not pursue a contract with Bakayoko. The former Chelsea, AC Milan and Napoli midfielder will remain available after Celtic ended their interest.

Rangers vice-chairman Paraag Marathe is also focusing on the Scottish Premiership title race, with BBC Sport reporting that the club has adopted a short-term approach to challenge defending champions Celtic.

BBC Sport reported that Neil Doncaster, the SPFL chief executive, believes Premier League counterparts face an uncomfortable position as they consider sanctions against Manchester City over rule breaches.

Elsewhere in Scottish football, Cheltenham forward Charlie McCann said he regretted not staying longer at Rangers after rejecting a contract extension at Ibrox three years ago, according to BBC Sport.

Former Hibernian forward Derek Riordan called for patience as new manager Marink Reedijk begins his role at Easter Road, while Aberdeen defender Chris Cadden said the team showed character after dealing with early-season criticism, BBC Sport reported.