Celtic have received a significant boost to their summer transfer plans with Koln midfielder Eric Martel confirming he will leave the Bundesliga club when his contract expires. The news comes days after Celtic secured the Scottish Premiership title on Saturday, guaranteeing their place in next season’s Champions League.
Koln director Thomas Kessler confirmed on Sunday that Martel, 24, had rejected a contract extension, stating the player wishes to pursue a “new sporting challenge.” Kessler thanked Martel for his four years of service and wished him well in his future endeavours. The German midfielder has been a consistent performer for Koln since joining in 2022, primarily featuring as a defensive midfielder, but also demonstrating versatility by playing at centre-back.
Martel’s availability as a free agent has attracted interest from several clubs, but reports in March, according to TEAMtalk, indicated that Celtic were leading the chase for his signature. The Scottish club are anticipating a period of significant change this summer, with manager Martin O’Neill hinting at a potential departure after his time in charge.
Celtic overcame a challenging season, ultimately finishing ahead of Hearts to claim the Premiership title in a controversial final-day victory. Adding a player of Martel’s quality would bolster their midfield options as they prepare for Champions League football and navigate a potential managerial transition. His ability to play multiple positions could prove valuable for the new manager, offering tactical flexibility. The move represents a shrewd piece of business for Celtic, acquiring a promising player without a transfer fee.
