Celtic and Middlesbrough are expected to contend for the potential acquisition of Slovan Bratislava’s Dávid Strelec.
As the closing weeks of the summer transfer window draw near, Slovakian publication Sport reports that the Championship team is still interested in signing the 24-year-old.
As they aim to push for promotion to the Premier League under Rob Edwards, Boro is eager to expand their attacking options.
Strelec had previously declined a move to British football in January, but they now have the chance to do so before the deadline of September 1.
Middlesbrough reignite Dávid Strelec interest after January transfer snub
Middlesbrough have been offered encouragement in their pursuit of Strelec, with his father clarifying that elimination from Champions League qualification has caused a rethink on his future with the Slovakian club.
He has hinted that a change could be in the offing this summer, naming Boro and Celtic as two clubs that have shown an interest in the 24-year-old.
“The situation was different while Slovan Bratislava was still playing for the Champions League,” said the forward’s father, via Sport.
“They wanted to keep him. Now it could be different.
“As far as I know, several clubs are still interested, including Celtic and Middlesbrough.
“We know that both clubs have made offers in the past.”
It has been claimed that Middlesbrough made an offer in January worth £9 million, which was also matched by Scottish giants Celtic, but Slovakian giants Slovan Bratislava refused to sell the forward, who went on to score 25 times in all competitions in 2024-25.
Middlesbrough have made five signings so far this summer, including the loan addition of Sverre Nypan from Manchester City, and there may be the budget to do even more.
Edwards has also overseen the arrivals of Sontje Hansen, Abdoulaye Kanté, Alfie Jones and Callum Brittain, with more set to come through the door in the final two weeks of the transfer window.
David Strelec signing has potential to be a game-changer for Middlesbrough
Middlesbrough have the likes of Tommy Conway and Marcus Forss to choose from to lead the line, so additional firepower coming in before the deadline makes sense, with the latter not really firing in recent times for the Teessiders.
Conway is an exciting talent, but Forss has struggled to really show that he can consistently be an attacking threat in the final third at this level.
Bringing in Strelec would be an exciting option given the experience he’s gained playing in European football with Slovan Bratislava – any striker who scores 25 in a season has to have something about them.
