​Emam Ashour of Egypt celebrated after scoring his team’s opening goal in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 clash between Australia and Egypt at Dallas Stadium in Arlington, Texas, on July 3, 2026. The moment was captured by Alex Slitz of Getty Images. Celtic have long been linked with a number of attacking talents, and the latest rumors focus on Ashour, the Egyptian international who plies his trade with Al Ahly. Several outlets have reported that Celtic are pushing hard to wrap up a deal worth around £4 million, with Ashour’s wage reportedly not presenting an obstacle.
Ashour, who wore the number 8 jersey for Egypt, showcased his control against Argentina’s Nahuel Molina during the World Cup Round of 16 matchup held at Atlanta Stadium on July 7, 2026. That game featured Ashour in a standout role as Egypt contested with one of football’s powerhouses, further highlighting his rising profile on the world stage. The reports suggest that Ashour, a 28-year-old with 34 caps for his country, is attracting interest from Celtic as well as other top clubs including Brighton, West Ham United, and Derby County.
A defining figure in Egyptian football, Ashour’s career has seen him shine for Zamalek, where he helped secure the Egyptian Premier League title and participate in CAF Champions League campaigns, as well as achieving triumphs in regional competitions with his current club. His pedigree includes a spell with Danish side Midtjylland in 2023, evidence of his experience across different leagues and continents. His performances have solidified his reputation as a talented, creative attacker capable of influencing games from multiple positions across the frontline, including attacking midfield duties.
Despite the acclaim, Ashour’s career has not been without controversy. He has earned a reputation as a “flawed genius” due to well-documented disciplinary issues both on and off the pitch, leading to significant fines from his club and even a suspended jail term imposed by Egyptian authorities. Nonetheless, his on-field charisma and technical ability remain undeniable, and many believe he could inject much-needed quality into a squad seeking a spark in attacking transition.
Ashour’s versatility is a key selling point. He can operate across the front three and also drop into attacking midfield, offering Celtic a flexible option to adapt formations and strategies mid-match. His pace, vision, and creativity could provide the kind of attacking thrust that has been lacking in recent seasons, making him an appealing target for a club looking to blend youth with proven talent in European competition.
At 28, Ashour is at a stage where European challenges could suit his development, and Celtic may be positioned to attract him as their next significant signing. The potential move would align with Celtic’s ongoing strategy of strengthening attack options with players who can contribute across multiple attacking lines, bringing a blend of skill, experience, and temperament to the squad.
Celtic fans and football enthusiasts alike will be watching closely as the transfer window unfolds, with Ashour’s potential introduction presenting an intriguing prospect for Celtic’s tactical evolution. The conversation around this move is likely to continue to generate interest, with supporters eager to see whether Ashour’s talent can translate to success in Scotland and on the European stage.
Join the discussion and share your thoughts about Emam Ashour’s potential move to Celtic and how he might fit into the team’s plans for the upcoming season.