Terem Moffi to Celtic? 3 reasons the Super Eagles striker needs the move now

Scottish Premiership champions Celtic have been handed another opportunity to sign Super Eagles striker Terem Moffi after French club OGC Nice placed the Nigerian forward on the transfer market, Afrik-Foot reports.

The Glasgow giants explored a move for Moffi during the January transfer window but were beaten to his signature by Portuguese heavyweights FC Porto, who signed him on a short-term loan with an €8 million option to buy.

That option has now expired, and with Porto walking away from a permanent deal, Moffi’s future is once again uncertain. And according to 67hailhail, the Nigeria international has been offered to Celtic as a transfer target.

Standing at 6ft 2in, Besiktas-linked Moffi has already proved himself in one of the strongest leagues on the continent. He scored 54 goals in 148 Ligue 1 appearances for Lorient and Nice, building a reputation as a powerful striker who thrives inside the penalty area.

However, his spell at Porto failed to reignite his career. He made 15 appearances in all competitions, but most came as a substitute, and he scored only two goals.

Porto later attempted to negotiate a lower transfer fee, but Nice refused to reduce the agreed €8 million option. As a result, the Portuguese club ended talks and sent the Nigerian international back to France.

Moffi’s situation at Nice has also become increasingly difficult, with a number of clubs reportedly interested. Reports claim he has no future at the club following an ugly incident in late 2025 when angry supporters reportedly confronted and assaulted him on the team bus after a 3-1 defeat to Lorient. The striker is also understood to have pursued legal action following the incident, while Nice have now decided to sell him permanently.

With Porto stepping aside and Nice ready to cash in, Celtic once again have a realistic chance to complete a transfer that slipped away earlier this year.

Reasons Celtic could be the perfect move for Moffi

A fresh start after a difficult period

Few players need a fresh beginning more than Moffi. After an unsuccessful loan spell at Porto and his troubled relationship with Nice supporters, the striker needs stability both on and off the pitch.

A permanent move to Celtic would allow him to leave behind the problems in France and focus entirely on football. The club’s passionate support and winning culture could provide the confidence he has lacked over the past year. Just as importantly, leaving Nice would finally bring an end to a chapter that has become increasingly difficult for both player and club.

Champions League football could rebuild his reputation

Easily Celtic’s biggest attraction is regular UEFA Champions League football. The Scottish champions consistently qualify for Europe’s premier club competition, giving players the chance to perform against elite opponents.

That platform could be priceless for Moffi. Strong displays in Europe would immediately increase his profile, rebuild his market value and remind clubs across the continent why he was once regarded as one of Ligue 1’s most dangerous forwards.

Regular goals in Scotland and the Champions League would also strengthen his chances of returning to the Super Eagles ahead of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

Martin O’Neill’s system could bring back the best of Moffi

O’Neill has a reputation for improving powerful, mobile strikers throughout his coaching career.

Players such as Henrik Larsson, Chris Sutton, Craig Bellamy, John Carew, and Emile Heskey all enjoyed some of the best football of their careers under O’Neill. And the 74-year-old Northern Irishman has consistently favoured forwards who combine physical presence with intelligent movement.

Celtic dominate possession in most Scottish Premiership matches and create numerous scoring chances every week. That style suits Moffi’s strengths perfectly. His pace behind defenders, ability to hold up the ball and instinct inside the penalty box could make him a regular goalscorer in Scotland.

Success with Celtic would not only increase his chances of winning domestic trophies but could also revive his international career with the Super Eagles after slipping down the pecking order following limited playing time at Porto and OGC Nice.

With Nice ready to sell and Celtic still searching for attacking depth, the coming weeks could offer Moffi the opportunity to rebuild a career that has stalled over the past year.