Qarabag manager Gurban Gurbanov has admitted that Qarabag have lost “one of their best players” in Camilo Duran.
The forward looks set to be Martin O’Neill’s first signing of the summer after a £5.5 million deal was agreed with the Azerbaijani side.
O’Neill has confirmed Duran’s status, stating that he is expected to join the squad after a medical with Tim Williamson.
And if Gurbanov’s words are anything to go by, Celtic fans have reasons to be excited.
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Qarabag boss Gurban Gurbanov on Celtic signing ‘one of our best players’ in Camilo Duran
The Qarabag manager said, awaiting the deal’s completion: “Yes, we’ve lost one of our best players, but it’s equally important that Qarabağ stay active in the transfer market.
“I’d like us to always have a player like Duran in our squad.
READ MORE: “He’s capable of playing in several positions, and his technical ability is outstanding.”
“He’s capable of playing in several positions, and his technical ability is outstanding.”
O’Neill has already said that he sees Duran as a striker, crediting his qualities as a player after Celtic’s friendly against Shelbourne.
He said: “Yeah, I think that Tim Williamson our physio has gone down to meet up with him and I think that that’s going to happen.
“I think that he should join us in Portugal, certainly in the next 24 hours.
“What can he bring as a player? Obviously he’s still very young. I think that what he can do is that I think he can hold up play.
“I think he’s strong in that there, in that department.
“We need a few players. It’s as simple as that. But I do think that he will be a good addition. Famous last words.”
👀 A clear trend in Martin O’Neill’s striker targets…
Why are Celtic signing Camilo Duran?
Duran’s Champions League record of five goals in five games is certainly appealing for Hoops fans who want to see the squad strengthen in Europe.
His full 2026-26 record is as follows:
| League games | Starts | Goals | Assists | Sofascore rating |
| 30 | 20 | 9 | 5 | 7.26 |
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