Celtic Want This 24-Year-Old Scottish Midfielder: Do They Really Need Him?

Celtic Want This 24-Year-Old Scottish Midfielder: Do They Really Need Him?

Celtic have put Marc Leonard at the top of their wishlist for the 2026/27 season, reports Pete O’Rourke. The 24-year-old Scottish midfielder has been shining during a standout loan spell at Hearts from Birmingham City. Celtic scouts have been keeping a close eye on him and plan to watch him throughout the rest of the campaign.

Celtic eye Marc Leonard as summer midfield rebuild gathers pace

Leonard headed to Tynecastle in January to fill in for the injured Cammy Devlin, a move that paid off big time, as he quickly became a regular in the lineup. While he chipped in with one goal and three assists in 12 games, those stats don’t tell the whole story. His real value lies in how he keeps the ball moving, his smart positioning, and his knack for playing out of tight spots.

Sheffield United boss Chris Wilder was in the stands at Tynecastle on Monday to see Leonard in action, a clear sign that the race for his signature is heating up. Clubs across Europe are also keeping tabs, and Birmingham won’t even pick up the phone for less than a significant seven-figure fee.

“He’s a player that’s impressed a great deal up in Scotland this season; he’s been instrumental for Hearts.

“He’s been right up there as one of their most important players in the second half of the season, and he’s a player Celtic will be fully aware of.

“Even before his move to Hearts, he’s a player who has been on their radar for a while.

“He’s under contract still at Birmingham for another two years so we don’t know what Birmingham’s plans are for Marc Leonard.

“I’m sure he’s a player that Celtic are looking at, but again, I think there’ll be a lot of competition for his signature if Birmingham are willing to let him move on.”