Bolton Wanderers are set to make one final attempt to land Celtic forward Johnny Kenny despite the 22-year-old recently signing a new contract at Parkhead.
The Irish striker, who extended his deal earlier this month until 2029, has nevertheless remained a target for Steven Schumacher’s side, with reports suggesting Celtic may still allow him to leave on loan if he is surplus to requirements this season.
Bolton’s Persistence
According to journalist Alan Nixon, Wanderers are “refusing to give up” in their pursuit of Kenny, with one last approach planned before the transfer window closes. Bolton have struggled for wins in the early stages of the League One campaign, sitting fifteenth after five matches, and are keen to add firepower to their forward line.
Kenny, who scored off the bench for Celtic in a 3-0 Premiership win against Livingston at the weekend, has made clear his ambitions of reaching the Champions League with the Scottish giants.
It’s been a tough start to the season at the Toughsheet Community Stadium, with the latest result, a 1-1 draw with Lincoln City, the Trotters’ worst home result against the Imps in more than 40 years.
Track Record in Ireland
Kenny’s rise began with Sligo Rovers, where he netted 11 goals in 32 senior appearances before joining Celtic in 2022. Loan spells followed, including a stint at Queen’s Park, but it was at Shamrock Rovers where he truly thrived. Across two loan periods in Dublin, he scored 20 goals in 59 appearances, including strikes in the UEFA Europa Conference League.
That European form convinced Celtic to reintegrate him in January 2025. Kenny made his senior debut shortly after returning, providing an assist in a win at Ross County, before scoring his first goal for the club in a 5-1 victory at Aberdeen in May.
His progress saw Celtic reject a £500,000 bid from Bolton in June, but Wanderers remain undeterred.
Writer’s View
Bolton’s determination to chase Kenny underlines their urgent need for a proven goalscorer after a flat start to the season. However, persuading the striker to leave a Celtic side preparing for European football may prove an impossible task.
The 22-year-old has the talent and ambition to push for a long-term role in Glasgow, but if he finds himself on the fringes of Brendan Rodgers’ squad, a loan move to League One could yet make sense for all parties. For now, Bolton’s persistence signals intent, but Kenny’s commitment to Celtic may ultimately be decisive.
