As a consolation goal gently found the bottom corner of the net, a handful of Newcastle supporters applauded Camilo Duran’s clever finish.
The home crowd at St James’ Park could afford to be magnanimous, as their team led Qarabag with an 8-2 aggregate score in the Champions League knockout play-off.
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Qarabag’s journey in Europe’s top competition came to a disheartening halt, while Eddie Howe’s team sailed through to the last 16, although their standout performer managed one final moment in the limelight.
This goal marked Duran’s fifth in the Champions League, following his strikes during the group stage against Benfica and Eintracht Frankfurt (twice), as well as a goal during a loss to Ajax, ending the campaign with as many goals as Vinicius Junior, Michael Olise, and the eventual winner, Desire Doue.
This impressive goal tally has increased his market value to a reported £5.5m, marking him as Celtic’s first signing of the summer.
But who is Duran, signed by Qarabag last year for a fraction of that fee, and what can Celtic fans expect from the Colombian forward?
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‘Hot-headed’ yet versatile forward
Duran’s senior career began in Portugal’s second tier before his move to Azerbaijan, starting with a stint at the Brazilian giant Flamengo.
For many South Americans, a loan to such an esteemed club is an incredible opportunity, especially for someone who grew up in a challenging neighborhood in Santa Marta.
“He was a hot-headed, mischievous kid who often got into fights,” recollected Sebastian Botero, Duran’s former coach at Independiente Medellin, in an interview with the Evening Times.
“However, his life took a turn when he joined a football academy. Flamengo showed interest, and they likely would have signed him if not for an injury.”
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Despite this setback, Duran didn’t let it stall his progress as he moved to Europe in 2022.
Initially recruited as a midfielder at Botero’s Independiente Medellin, he transitioned into a forward, taking those lessons with him to Portugal.
According to Transfermarkt, Duran has featured in 38 matches as a center-forward, 25 matches as a right winger—despite being left-footed—and nine on the left flank, along with other positions.
This adaptability seems to align well with Celtic, who have relied on the versatility of players like Daizen Maeda in recent seasons instead of adhering strictly to a traditional number nine role.
When playing as a striker, Duran has netted 14 times and provided 10 assists.
‘Pressure fuels’ Duran’s power and pace
During his single season in Azerbaijan, he made 45 appearances and contributed to 25 goals (15 goals, 10 assists), yet it wasn’t sufficient for record-holders Qarabag to secure the league title.
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Although their European performances attracted admiration, the team faced pressure to clinch a fifth consecutive league title, ultimately finishing as runners-up, nine points behind Sabah.
“Camilo has always been somewhat of a rebel,” Botero remarked. “That’s why pressure doesn’t stifle him—it invigorates him.”
“When the odds are stacked against him, he resolves to turn the situation in his favor.”
When it comes to physical play, his hold-up ability has drawn attention, something Martin O’Neill pointed out when discussing a close deal for Duran following a 1-1 friendly draw with Shelbourne.
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At St James’ Park back in February, he outpaced Dan Burn and placed a shot past fellow England international Aaron Ramsdale.
Celtic supporters will hope to witness more goals of that nature, and more new signings are expected.
“We have several players under consideration,” O’Neill stated in Drumcondra.
“I anticipate that in the near future—possibly over the next couple of weeks—some talented players will join our squad to complement the quality we already have.”
A rebuild seems to be on the horizon for Celtic, and Duran appears to be a promising first step.