According to a recent report from Sky Sports’ reporter Florian Plettenberg, Celtic is considering a loan move for Junior Adamu as the Monday transfer deadline approaches. However, they face competition, as multiple clubs are vying for the versatile SC Freiburg forward.
The 24-year-old Austrian international developed his skills in the youth academies of GSV Wacker and Grazer AK before making his way to the prestigious Red Bull Salzburg in his home country. Following a brief period with the reserves, he was loaned to their affiliated club, FC Liefering, to gain regular playing time in the second division.
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Ascending in Austria, Facing Challenges in Germany
Adamu showcased his talent and creativity in front of goal, which led Salzburg to recall him from FC Liefering for a loan spell at Swiss club St. Gallen. During his time there, he scored 8 goals, earning a spot in Salzburg’s first team starting from the 2021-22 season.
In the summer of 2023, Freiburg acquired him for €6 million, but Adamu has struggled to replicate his scoring success, netting only 7 goals in 67 appearances across all competitions [stats via Transfermarkt]. This season, he has scored just twice while playing as a ‘number 9’, falling behind Igor Matanović and Lucas Höler in the team’s lineup at Europa-Park Stadion.
FREIBURG IM BREISGAU, GERMANY – OCTOBER 23: Yuito Suzuki of SC Freiburg celebrates scoring his team’s first goal with teammate Junior Adamu during the UEFA Europa League 2025/26 League Phase MD3 match against FC Utrecht on October 23, 2025, in Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany. (Photo by Daniela Porcelli/Getty Images)
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Despite his recent struggles, Adamu possesses significant potential, and a series of strong performances could help him regain his form. While he hasn’t scored for Das Team, he has tallied 11 goals in 13 matches for the Austria U21 team, showcasing his scoring ability. His versatility in playing both as a forward and on the wings could add much-needed creativity to Celtic’s attack at Celtic Park.
How O’Neill Could Utilize Adamu in Celtic’s Attack
Martin O’Neill has emphasized the importance of adding reinforcements as Celtic engages in a tight title race against Hearts and Rangers. The team has also advanced in the Europa League playoffs; however, their transfer activities have echoed previous windows with missed targets and a late rush for signings.
Recently, Julian Araujo and Tomáš Čvančara joined the club on loan from Bournemouth and Borussia Mönchengladbach, respectively. Čvančara was immediately inserted into the starting lineup, allowing Daizen Maeda to return to his preferred left-wing position. With Kelechi Iheanacho and Johnny Kenny also in the mix to support and compete with Čvančara, Adamu could serve as a versatile attacker. His movement, work rate, and ability to adapt would enable O’Neill to modify the team’s formation and make tactical adjustments as needed.