Is Celtic Adding Austria's Adamu from Freiburg to Their Roster?

Celtic has secured the signing of Austria striker Junior Adamu on loan from Bundesliga club Freiburg, with an option to purchase at the end of the season. The 24-year-old forward, who previously played for RB Salzburg, aims to bolster Celtic's attacking options as the club targets success in both the league and the Scottish Cup.

Last updated: 01 February 2026 (BST)

What’s happening now

Junior Adamu has officially joined Celtic on loan, a move that reflects both the player's aspirations and the club's needs for reinforcements in their attack. Having struggled to secure a regular starting position at Freiburg, where he has made limited appearances recently, Adamu is now looking to make an impact in the Scottish Premiership. His ability to contribute goals and experience in European competitions is expected to enhance Celtic's squad significantly.

Key takeaways

• Junior Adamu joins Celtic on loan from Freiburg with an option to buy.
• The forward has a notable track record from his time at RB Salzburg, scoring 23 goals in 84 matches.
• Adamu aims to contribute to Celtic's league and Scottish Cup ambitions.

Timeline: how we got here

Junior Adamu's transfer marks a significant step in his career. Here’s a brief timeline of key events leading to this signing:

• July 2023: Adamu transfers from RB Salzburg to Freiburg.
• 2023-2024: He makes 67 appearances for Freiburg, scoring seven goals.
• January 2026: Celtic announces the loan signing of Adamu, adding him to their roster for the second half of the season.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

Celtic's acquisition of Junior Adamu is the latest addition to their squad during the January transfer window. The loan deal incorporates an option to buy, indicating Celtic's interest in potentially making the move permanent if Adamu's performance meets expectations.

What was already established

Prior to this transfer, Adamu was struggling to secure significant playing time at Freiburg, having made only one substitute appearance in the last ten Bundesliga matches. His previous experience at RB Salzburg, where he developed into a goal-scoring forward, remains a key aspect of his profile.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

For Celtic fans, the signing of Adamu is a promising development, enhancing the team's prospects in both the league and cup competitions. The excitement surrounding new signings can also increase match attendance and merchandise sales.

Businesses and jobs

The transfer reflects Celtic's strategy to strengthen their squad, which may impact local businesses around the club, particularly those reliant on matchday revenues. A successful season can lead to increased job opportunities in hospitality and retail sectors associated with the club.

Policy and regulation

As Adamu has joined on a loan basis, it will be essential for Celtic to comply with the regulations set by the Scottish Professional Football League (SPFL) regarding player registrations and loan agreements. The club must ensure all documentation is correctly filed to avoid any penalties.

Numbers that matter

• 23: Goals scored by Adamu during his time at RB Salzburg in 84 appearances.
• 7: Goals scored by Adamu across 67 matches for Freiburg.
• 18: Total appearances made by Adamu this season, with 14 as a starter.

Definitions and jargon buster

• Loan Agreement: A temporary arrangement allowing a player to play for a different club while still under contract with their parent club.
• Bundesliga: The top professional football league in Germany.
• Scottish Premiership: The top tier of professional football in Scotland.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

Adamu is expected to integrate into the Celtic squad quickly and could make an immediate impact in upcoming matches. His performance in training and early games will be essential to assess his fit within the team's attacking strategy.

Medium term (1–6 months)

If Adamu performs well, he could secure a permanent move to Celtic at the end of the loan period. His success may also influence Celtic's decisions on other potential signings and squad adjustments for the next season.

Signals to watch

• Performance metrics: Goals, assists, and overall contributions in matches.
• Player health and fitness: Monitoring any injuries or fitness issues impacting his playtime.
• Managerial feedback: Insights from Celtic's coaching staff regarding his integration and performance.

Practical guidance

Do

• Follow Adamu's progress closely through match reports and updates from Celtic.
• Engage with fan communities to share insights and opinions on his contributions.
• Attend matches to support both Adamu and the team as they strive for success.

Don’t

• Overlook his development; allow time for adaptation to the new league.
• Expect immediate results; football can take time to gel, especially with new signings.
• Compare him directly to previous players; each player's journey is unique.

Checklist

• Check match schedules for upcoming fixtures involving Celtic.
• Monitor Adamu's statistics and overall impact on the team's performance.
• Stay updated on news surrounding Celtic's transfer activities and player contracts.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

While Adamu has the potential to be a valuable addition to Celtic, there are inherent risks associated with any transfer. His adaptation to the Scottish Premiership and the physical demands of the league could impact his performance. Additionally, the dynamics of team chemistry and managerial strategies will play a significant role in how effectively he can contribute.

Bottom line

Junior Adamu's loan to Celtic presents an exciting opportunity for both the player and the club. With hopes of achieving a league and Scottish Cup double, his experience and goal-scoring ability may provide Celtic with the necessary firepower to succeed. Supporters will be keen to see how he performs in the coming weeks.

FAQs

What are the terms of Junior Adamu's loan to Celtic?

Junior Adamu has joined Celtic on loan from Freiburg with an option to buy at the end of the season, providing the club with flexibility based on his performance.

What has been Junior Adamu's impact at Freiburg?

At Freiburg, Adamu struggled for regular playing time, scoring seven goals in 67 appearances since joining the club in 2023.

What are the expectations for Adamu at Celtic?

Celtic expects Adamu to enhance their attacking options, with the aim of contributing significantly to their league and cup ambitions during his loan period.