'All I can say': Celtic target lifts lid on summer transfer talk that linked him to Hoops move

Celtic target Mateusz Bogusz has spoken for the first time about his summer transfer links to the Scottish champions after a transfer switch from Los Angeles FC reportedly collapsed in the final week of the transfer window.

The 23-year-old Polish midfielder was heavily linked to the Hoops in the final throes of the window alongside Lausanne ace Alvyn Sanches, with Brendan Rodgers desperate to strengthen his midfield options ahead of the deadline. It was claimed by Sky Sports that the champions had submitted a formal bid of around £8million for the Polish star after he had caught the club’s eye with 18 goal contributions in 24 games for the MLS side.

The former Leeds United youngster has flourished Stateside following a move to the MLS in March 2023, notching 13 goals this season to fire LAFC to second in the league, where they sit four points behind rivals Los Angeles Galaxy. His form has also resulted in his promotion to the Polish senior squad, where he made his international debut in a 1-0 Nations League defeat to Croatia last week.

Despite strong interest in Bogusz, the Hoops turned their attention to Arne Engels and Luke McCowan, with the duo signing in the final hours of deadline day - the former for a record fee of £11million. A move could still be resurrected in January though, after the player’s Dad admitted his son is “hoping sooner rather than later to return to Europe.” Following the speculation, the Poland international has now spoken for the first time on his links to Celtic last month.

"There was possible movement for me,” admitted Bogusz. “At the end of the day I stayed here and I am very happy. I am looking to finish the season in first place (in the Western Conference) and get to the final, and win the final. That is all I can say about this situation. Of course I knew about that (Celtic’s interest). I just try to not get involved in this situation, I was focussed on playing for LAFC.”