Ex Southampton Star Could Be Celtic Next Surprise Signing
The striker’s best years undoubtedly came at St. Mary’s Stadium, where he transformed from a solid forward into a lethal Premier League finisher. During his time at Southampton, Ings not only earned plaudits for his movement, sharp instincts, and work ethic, but also attracted the attention of Gareth Southgate, earning him a place in the England national team setup. His 2019-20 season, in particular, was one to remember he scored 22 league goals, finishing just one behind Golden Boot winner Jamie Vardy. For Saints supporters, he wasn’t just another player, he was a symbol of resilience and attacking flair in a squad that often struggled for consistency.
Following his Southampton exit, however, things took a different turn. His move to Aston Villa brought promise but lacked the spark of his earlier days. A subsequent switch to West Ham did little to reverse the trend. Ings struggled for game time and form, often finding himself on the fringes of David Moyes’ plans. Now a free agent, he’s free to negotiate fresh terms with any club willing to bet on his experience and instinct inside the box. While there have been murmurs among Southampton fans of a possible homecoming, the reality is less romantic. The club has moved on, and so must Ings.
Celtic’s reported interest, first highlighted by Glasgow World, could offer the striker a lifeline, a chance to play regularly, compete in Europe, and rediscover the joy of leading the line. For Celtic, it’s a strategic gamble: bringing in a player with proven pedigree to boost their attack ahead of another domestic campaign and a return to Champions League football. Ings may not be the long-term future of the club, but he could certainly play a vital role in the short term, particularly in big matches where composure and experience matter most.
Moreover, a move to Celtic would allow Ings to follow in the footsteps of other experienced Premier League players who found a second wind in Scotland. The comparison to Fraser Forster is particularly fitting. Like Ings, Forster was a standout at Southampton, and though his career had its ups and downs, a move to Tottenham Hotspur extended his time at the top level. Forster also enjoyed some of his finest moments in a Celtic shirt, playing under the Parkhead lights in memorable European nights and collecting trophies along the way. The parallel is compelling,two loyal servants of the Saints, both looking to write one final chapter filled with success and silverware.
For Ings, the motivation should be clear. A strong run at Celtic could restore his reputation and open doors that once seemed shut. The possibility of re-entering the England conversation may be slim, but not entirely out of reach. Southgate has previously shown openness to rewarding form, regardless of league. If Ings starts the season with a bang and finds the net in Europe, who’s to say the door wouldn’t creak open again?
In the end, whether Ings signs for Celtic or an ambitious English side, the core truth remains: he is far from finished. The hunger to compete, to prove doubters wrong, and to end his career on a high is surely still burning within him. Celtic offers not just a club, but a stage, a chance to be the main man once more, to hear the roar of a packed stadium, and to chase the glory that once felt within reach. The ball, quite literally, is in Danny Ings’ court.
