If a report from Fussball Transfers is true, Celtic are keeping close tabs on Elvis Rexhbecaj ahead of a potential summer move. But they are not alone in the race, with Turkish outfit Besiktas, Parma Calcio from Serie A, and a few clubs from the English Championship also monitoring the situation of the Augsburg midfielder.
The 27-year-old Kosovo international progressed through Brandenburger SC Süd and VfL Wolfsburg’s academy ranks before breaking into the latter’s reserve side in the fourth tier of German football. Rexhbecaj was gradually promoted to their Bundesliga squad, however, the Wolves sanctioned back-to-back loans to FC Koln and VfL Bochum after he fell down the pecking order at Volkswagen Arena.
Augsburg, impressed by his impact in Bochum’s midfield, splashed €1.7m to tie him down from Wolfsburg till the summer of 2026. So far, he has appeared 83 times for the Fuggerstadt club but is assessing options despite ongoing contract talks since winter. Although they want him to extend his stay beyond next year, the growing interest in the experienced ace could see them sanction a transfer over losing him for nothing by the closure of the 2025-26 season.
Celtic have already bolstered themselves down the left amid rumours of Greg Taylor’s likely egress as a free agent. Kieran Tierney’s return on a Bosman would restore parity, and the gaffer Brendan Rodgers has also discussed the possibility of turning Jeffrey Schlupp’s loan into a permanent deal. The Crystal Palace veteran has emerged as the first choice left fullback since his February switch, and the focus must now shift to the centre of the pitch following their dismal Old Firm derby defeat against Rangers.
Why Celtic Should Snap Him Up This Summer
The Hoops have multiple midfield options who fit in box-to-box roles. Luke McCowan and Paulo Bernardo have challenged and covered Arne Engels and Reo Hatate for the ‘number 8’ spots, but the absence of ‘captain fantastic’ Callum McGregor cost them severely at Celtic Park. Engels was deployed as a makeshift ‘number 6’ in the wake of the Scotsman’s injury absence, but the Bhoys were found losing the shape time and again regardless of their home advantage.
Predominantly a central midfielder, Rexhbecaj has slotted in comfortably as a deep-lying playmaker. While he is regarded for his game-reading attributes, the physicality and aggression the Kosovan offers should see him attuning well to the demands of Scottish football. He has received 10 bookings this season in 24 outings [stats via Transfermarket] thus exhibiting his mastery of breaking down opponents’ moves by committing tactical fouls. It remains to be seen now whether the Celts secure his services in the summer window.
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