JUST IN: QARABAG FC ISSUES OFFICIAL STATEMENT ON CAMILO DURAN DEAL WITH CELTIC FC AFTER SECOND BID GOT REJECTED

Celtic’s pursuit of Colombian forward Camilo Duran has taken another dramatic turn after Qarabag issued an official response regarding the growing speculation surrounding the attacker’s future. The Scottish champions have been strongly linked with the 24-year-old throughout the summer transfer window following his outstanding debut campaign in Azerbaijan, where his performances in both domestic football and the UEFA Champions League attracted attention from clubs across Europe.

Reports earlier this week suggested that Celtic had submitted an opening bid worth around £1.7 million for the striker. However, multiple reports from Azerbaijan and Scotland indicated that Qarabag rejected the proposal, believing the player is worth considerably more after his remarkable season.

Camilo Duran enjoyed a breakthrough campaign with Qarabag, scoring 15 goals and registering 10 assists in all competitions. Five of those goals came in the UEFA Champions League, where he impressed against some of Europe’s biggest clubs. His performances have reportedly placed him on the radar of several teams, although Celtic are believed to be among the strongest contenders for his signature.

With Martin O’Neill looking to strengthen his attacking options ahead of another demanding campaign, Duran has emerged as one of the club’s primary transfer targets. Celtic are expected to recruit at least one new striker this summer following departures and uncertainty surrounding several attacking players.

Despite growing speculation, Qarabag have remained calm throughout the process and have now made their position clear.

Official Qarabag Statement

“The club has received an official offer from Celtic FC for Camilo Duran. After careful consideration by the club’s management and coaching staff, the proposal was not accepted as it did not reflect the player’s current market value. Camilo remains an important member of Qarabag FK, and any future discussions will only take place if they meet the club’s sporting and financial expectations.” 

The statement effectively confirms that negotiations have taken place while making it clear that Qarabag are under no pressure to sell one of their most valuable assets. Manager Gurban Gurbanov has also previously indicated that departures are possible this summer but insisted the club will only sanction transfers under the right conditions.

Sources close to the negotiations believe Celtic are unlikely to abandon their interest after the initial rejection. Instead, the Scottish champions are expected to return with an improved offer that could fall within the £2.5 million to £3 million range, which is believed to be much closer to Qarabag’s valuation of the Colombian forward.

Whether that will be enough remains uncertain, particularly with reports suggesting clubs from other European leagues are also monitoring the situation. Qarabag know Duran’s value has risen significantly following his impressive Champions League displays, and they are determined not to lose him for less than they believe he is worth.

For Celtic supporters, the latest development offers both encouragement and frustration. The official statement confirms genuine negotiations are taking place, but it also highlights that significant work remains before any agreement can be reached.

Supporters quickly flooded social media with reactions as the statement spread online.

@HoopsFaithful: “Just pay the asking price if he’s the manager’s top target.”

@ParadiseBhoy67: “His Champions League numbers are unbelievable.”

@CelticPulse: “The deal isn’t dead. It’s only getting started.”

@GreenArmy1888: “Hopefully the board returns with a better offer.”

@BhoysForever: “This feels like one that could happen.”

@ParadiseVoice: “Qarabag know they’ve got a top player.”

@NeilCFC1888: “Don’t let another target slip away.”

@HoopsTransferHQ: “Negotiations are part of football. Stay patient.”

@CelticUltra: “The official statement still leaves the door open.”

@FootballTalk247: “This transfer saga could have plenty more twists before it’s over.”

With the summer transfer window still open, attention now turns to Celtic’s next move. An improved bid could arrive in the coming days, but until then Camilo Duran remains a Qarabag player, with his current club making it abundantly clear that they will only do business on their own terms.

The coming weeks are likely to determine whether the Colombian forward begins the new season in Azerbaijan or completes what could become one of Celtic’s biggest attacking signings of the summer.