Celtic Keep Close Tabs On This On-loan Hearts Midfielder: Why They Should Snap Him Up In The Summer

GLASGOW, SCOTLAND – FEBRUARY 15: Marc Leonard of Hearts scores Hearts opening goal during the William Hill Premiership match between Rangers and Heart of Midlothian at Ibrox Stadium on February 15, 2026 in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by WM Sport Media/Getty Images)

Celtic are likely to undergo a squad overhaul in the summer. Martin O’Neill, in charge as an interim boss until the end of the season, as well as his assistant Shaun Maloney, are leading the recruitment drive until the Hoops find the veteran Northern Irishman’s long-term successor. They messed it up over the past two windows, and therefore, must do their business early to let the new names settle in under the new manager.

Why Celtic Are Aiming For Leonard

The Bhoys, on paper, are well-equipped in the centre of the pitch. Skipper Callum McGregor is still going strong as a deep-lying playmaker, and the likes of Arne Engels, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Reo Hatate, Paulo Bernardo and Luke McCowan are also there as box-to-box options.

Yet they could face a crisis before next season, with Bernardo and Hatate expected to part ways for first-team football. The club have not decided whether to extend Oxlade-Chamberlain’s contract beyond this term, and the growing interest in Engels could force them to cash in on the Belgian.

Hailed for his composure, strong tackling and defensive traits, and ability to build the game up from the back, Leonard’s progressive play further demonstrates his all-round attributes. Celtic and Hearts are having a fierce fight for the silverware, and it remains to be seen whether the Birmingham ace plies his trade in Parkhead this summer.