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By 247sportcity | Wednesday, January 21, 2026
GLASGOW – The January transfer window has just delivered its most explosive “Old Firm” moment yet. In a breathtaking turn of events, Celtic have successfully hijacked Rangers’ move for Borussia Mönchengladbach striker Tomas Cvancara, with the Czech international arriving in Glasgow this morning to undergo a medical at Celtic Park.
Just 24 hours ago, the 25-year-old was widely expected to join Danny Röhl’s high-pressing Rangers revolution. German media outlets, including Fussball Europa, had already “cleared” Cvancara for a move to Ibrox after he was released from Gladbach training on Monday. However, in a clandestine operation led by returning Celtic boss Martin O’Neill, the Bhoys have overtaken their rivals at the eleventh hour.
The “Done Deal” Details
According to Sky Deutschland and transfer insider Florian Plettenberg, Celtic have reached a full agreement with the Bundesliga side for a six-month loan deal that includes a significant option to buy in the summer of 2026.
To ensure the deal went through, Celtic’s board—who have been under heavy fire from supporters for a perceived lack of investment—agreed to a financial package that Rangers simply couldn’t match:
- Salary Coverage: Celtic will cover 100% of Cvancara’s wages (approx. £45,000-a-week) for the remainder of the season.
- The Purchase Clause: While the exact figure remains undisclosed, Gladbach are reportedly seeking to recoup around €7m–€8m of the €10.5m they paid Sparta Prague in 2023.
The “Plane Picture” that Broke Ibrox Hearts
The saga reached its climax late Tuesday night when a photograph surfaced on social media showing Cvancara alongside his agent, David Nehoda, on a private jet bound for the UK. While Rangers fans initially hoped the flight was heading to Glasgow International for an appointment at Murray Park, Sky Germany confirmed the destination was indeed the East End of Glasgow.
“Martin O’Neill has made it clear that we need physical presence,” a source close to the club told Gemini Sports. “Cvancara is 6ft 3in, a pure athlete, and exactly the profile O’Neill needs to claw back the six-point gap to Hearts.”
[Table: The Glasgow Tug-of-War — Cvancara Stats & Profile]
| Feature | Tomas Cvancara | Why Celtic Won |
| Age / Height | 25 / 1.90m (6′ 3″) | Immediate physical upgrade |
| National Team | Czechia (8 caps, 1 goal) | Brings international pedigree |
| Former Club | Sparta Prague / Gladbach | High-level European experience |
| Loan Term | 6 Months + Option | Low risk, high potential reward |
| The “O’Neill Factor” | Returning Icon | Personal call from O’Neill swayed player |
A Desperate Need: Why Celtic Moved So Fast
The urgency behind this “hijack” cannot be overstated. Celtic’s season has been defined by turbulence:
- The Managerial Carousel: Following the dismissal of Brendan Rodgers in October and the disastrous 33-day tenure of Wilfried Nancy, Martin O’Neill returned to the dugout on January 5.
- The Striker Crisis: Since the departure of Kyogo Furuhashi, Celtic have lacked a consistent focal point. Summer signing Kelechi Iheanacho has spent the majority of the season on the treatment table, while Adam Idah has moved on.
- The Title Race: Celtic currently sit second in the table, level on points with Rangers but trailing shock leaders Hearts by six points.
With a “gargantuan” clash against Hearts at Tynecastle looming this Sunday, O’Neill viewed Cvancara as a “necessity rather than a luxury.”
The Rangers Reaction: Röhl’s First Setback
For Rangers manager Danny Röhl, the loss of Cvancara is a bitter pill to swallow. After winning six consecutive games and drawing level with Celtic in the standings, the German was confident he had secured his countryman to lead the line.
Rangers have already been active this month, signing Andreas Skov Olsen and Tochi Chukwuani, but the failure to land a frontline striker after Cvancara was “in the building” (metaphorically) will be a source of immense frustration at Ibrox.
The Medical and the Bologna Flight
Cvancara is expected to complete his medical tests by midday Wednesday. However, with the Celtic squad scheduled to travel to Italy this afternoon for a crucial Europa League clash against Bologna, the striker will likely remain in Glasgow to begin a crash-course fitness program under Shaun Maloney and the coaching staff.
Final Verdict: A Massive Statement of Intent
By snatching a top target from under the noses of their fiercest rivals, the Celtic board have bought themselves some much-needed breathing room with a disgruntled fanbase. If Cvancara can hit the ground running at Tynecastle on Sunday, this “hijack” might just be remembered as the moment the 2025/26 title race swung back in favor of the Green and White.