‘I Had Other Clubs’ – Junior Adamu Reveals the Conversations That Took Him to Celtic”

Junior Adamu has outlined the thinking behind his decision to join Celtic, revealing that conversations with key figures and the need for regular football were decisive factors in choosing the Scottish champions over other interested clubs.

The Austrian international arrived at Celtic on loan late in the transfer window, with the deal including an option to buy. The move came as the club looked to inject fresh energy, mobility, and competition into their forward line during a demanding second half of the season.

For Adamu, the timing of the move was critical. After finding himself in and out of the starting line-up at Freiburg, often beginning matches on the bench, the striker felt that his development and international ambitions required a change. With a World Cup on the horizon this summer, remaining in a peripheral role was not an option.

Celtic offered what Adamu valued most at this stage of his career: the chance to play regularly in meaningful matches. League battles, domestic cups, and European fixtures all present a platform where performances are noticed, and where pressure is constant. That environment appealed to a player determined to keep his career moving forward.

Speaking about the decision, Adamu confirmed that advice from his national team manager, Ralf Rangnick, played a significant role. Rangnick encouraged him to prioritise playing time and to trust his instincts rather than simply choosing the most comfortable option.

“I spoke with the manager from the national team before joining Celtic,” Adamu said. “He wanted to see me play. There were other clubs. He said the other clubs were good, but that I should decide and have a good feeling.”

Those conversations ultimately led Adamu to speak directly with the Celtic manager, a discussion that helped clarify the role envisioned for him at the club. The opportunity to contribute immediately, rather than waiting patiently for chances, proved decisive.

“I had to speak with the Celtic manager, and then I decided to go to Celtic,” he explained.

World Cup ambitions were central to the decision. Adamu has made it clear that representing his country on the biggest stage is a personal dream, one that requires consistent performances and sharpness at club level.

“It’s my dream to get to the World Cup. It means a lot,” he said. “I will work, I will do everything for that. That’s my dream.”

The striker believes that a move to Celtic brings him closer to that goal. Regular starts are not guaranteed, but the competition itself is part of the attraction. Adamu sees the challenge as an opportunity rather than a risk.

“I decided to come here to give my best and work hard to improve myself, and also be at the World Cup,” he added. “In my eyes, yes, I’m almost there. I’m a guy who never stops. I will give more than 100 per cent to be there.”

From Celtic’s perspective, Adamu fits a specific profile. The club’s system demands forwards who press aggressively, stretch defences with constant movement, and remain involved even during spells when chances are limited. Adamu’s work rate, willingness to run, and intensity align with those requirements.

He has not arrived to settle into a comfort zone. Instead, he has come to challenge for starting places and push those around him. That competition is expected to raise standards within the squad, particularly during a congested fixture schedule where rotation and form are crucial.

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Celtic are still competing on multiple fronts, with league matches, cup ties, and European commitments all placing physical and mental demands on the squad. Having forwards who can maintain intensity, cope with pressure, and stay focused when opportunities are scarce is essential.

Adamu’s mindset stands out in that context. His focus is on progress rather than comfort, on performance rather than status. That approach resonates with a club that expects constant improvement and accountability from its players.

The coming weeks will be key in determining how quickly he adapts to the pace and physicality of Scottish football. The league is unforgiving, particularly for forwards, and consistency is often the difference between impact and frustration. Adamu is aware of that challenge and appears prepared to meet it head-on.

For Celtic, the hope is that Adamu’s personal motivation translates into tangible benefits on the pitch. A player driven by World Cup ambitions brings urgency, hunger, and edge qualities that can lift a squad during decisive moments of the season.

Adamu knows exactly what is at stake. A place at the World Cup remains firmly in his sights, and Celtic now provide the stage on which he intends to chase it.