‘I CAN’T BELIEVE THIS!’ PUNDITS REACTS AS CELTIC AGREE 26m DEAL TO SIGN MOTHERWELL STAR TO CELTIC PARK ON THE DEADLINE DAY
‘I CAN’T BELIEVE THIS!’ Pundits React as Celtic Agree £26m Deadline Day Deal for Motherwell Star.
Celtic have sent shockwaves through Scottish football after agreeing a stunning £26 million deal to sign Motherwell forward Tawanda Maswanhise on deadline day, a move that has left pundits stunned and supporters across the country scrambling for answers. The agreement, confirmed late on deadline day, represents one of the most dramatic transfers in Premiership history and signals Celtic’s intent to dominate both domestically and in Europe.
Maswanhise, just 22, has been one of the breakout stars of the Scottish game over the past season. After arriving at Motherwell in 2024, the Zimbabwe international quickly established himself as a key figure at Fir Park, scoring 19 goals in 51 appearances across all competitions. His explosive pace, direct dribbling and eye for goal turned him into a nightmare for defenders and made him one of the most talked about young attackers in the league.
That rise makes the size of the fee even more eye catching. Celtic have rarely pushed beyond the £10m mark for signings, making the reported £26m outlay not just a club record but a statement to rivals at home and observers across Europe. For many pundits, the number alone was enough to trigger disbelief.
Former Celtic striker turned TV analyst Chris Sutton summed up the mood live on air when news broke. “I can’t believe this. Twenty six million pounds in Scotland is unheard of. Celtic don’t do this unless they are absolutely convinced. This is a massive gamble and a massive statement,” he said, shaking his head in astonishment.
Others were quick to point out that Celtic’s recruitment model has shifted in recent years, with the club increasingly willing to invest heavily in players with resale value. Sky Sports pundit Kris Boyd described the move as “a sign of intent that goes beyond the Premiership,” adding that Celtic are “clearly looking at Europe and thinking they need players who can hurt teams at a higher level.”
Maswanhise’s journey to this moment has been anything but straightforward. After joining Leicester City in 2023, he failed to make a senior appearance, spending time developing away from the spotlight. His move to Motherwell in 2024 proved transformational. Given freedom and responsibility, he flourished, becoming the focal point of their attack and earning plaudits for his maturity and consistency despite his age.
Motherwell, while disappointed to lose their star man, are understood to view the deal as impossible to turn down. The fee dwarfs any previous sale in their history and will significantly reshape their financial future. Club sources suggest the funds will be reinvested into facilities, youth development and multiple squad additions.
For Celtic fans, reactions have ranged from wild excitement to cautious disbelief. Social media exploded within minutes of the news breaking, with some supporters hailing the club’s ambition and others questioning whether any player in the Scottish league is worth such a sum. One fan wrote that it felt “like a Champions League era signing,” while another admitted they were “buzzing but terrified at the same time.”
From a tactical perspective, Maswanhise offers Celtic something slightly different. Comfortable playing off either flank or through the middle, he thrives in high tempo systems and excels in one on one situations. Analysts believe his ability to stretch defences could be crucial in European matches where Celtic have often struggled to convert dominance into goals.
Managerial voices have also weighed in. Former Hoops boss Neil Lennon described the deal as “a roll of the dice that could redefine Celtic’s ceiling,” while stressing that pressure will be immediate. “When you cost that much, there are no quiet starts. Every touch, every chance will be scrutinised,” he said.
The player himself is expected to complete formalities and be unveiled at Celtic Park within hours. Sources close to the deal say Maswanhise is eager for the move and views it as the perfect platform to showcase his talent on a bigger stage. With European nights looming and domestic rivals watching closely, his arrival adds another layer of intrigue to an already intense season.
Whether this transfer becomes a masterstroke or a cautionary tale remains to be seen. What is certain is that Celtic have changed the conversation. A £26m deadline day deal for a Motherwell star has not just stunned pundits, it has rewritten expectations of what is possible in Scottish football.
