Feyenoord has entered into transfer negotiations with Scottish club Celtic after receiving an official first bid for right-back Jordan Lotomba. Technical director Dévy Rigaux is currently overseeing a squad overhaul in Rotterdam, making the 27-year-old defender available as the club looks to clear room in its wage bill before the upcoming transfer deadlines.
Celtic Pursues Defensive Reinforcements Following Johnston Injury
The pursuit from Glasgow intensified due to personnel issues within the Scottish side’s backline. Regular right-back Alistair Johnston recently sustained an injury that is expected to sideline him until October or November. Assistant manager Shaun Maloney confirmed that the club is actively scouring the market for defensive cover to protect squad balance and alleviate pressure on younger players. Celtic’s formal offer on Tuesday initiated discussions with Feyenoord regarding the structure of a potential deal, with both a permanent transfer and a loan option currently on the table.
Lotomba’s Limited Role Under Van Bronckhorst
Since his arrival in Rotterdam, Lotomba has struggled to secure a regular starting spot under head coach Giovanni van Bronckhorst. The Swiss defender has made only two Eredivisie appearances this season, totaling 34 minutes of pitch time, though he managed to record one assist during those brief outings. Contracted with the Stadion Feyenoord club until mid-2027, Lotomba is open to a move to Scotland where regular playing time is more attainable. Club officials have indicated that a departure suits their current financial planning.
Deadline Dynamics Favor Scottish Champions
A significant factor in the ongoing negotiations is the timeline difference between the Dutch and Scottish transfer windows. While the Eredivisie window faces its traditional shutdown, the Scottish transfer market remains open until Thursday, September 3, at 5:00 PM local time. This regulatory window gives Celtic extra breathing room to finalize negotiations, complete medical evaluations, and iron out the final details of the paperwork even after Dutch deadline day has passed.
