Celtic Eyeing “Outstanding” Tyrhys Dolan as Their Next Moussa Dembele-Type Coup

With the summer transfer window officially open, Celtic are poised to make key moves in the market — and one intriguing name on their radar is Blackburn Rovers winger Tyrhys Dolan. The club’s interest in the 23-year-old signals a potentially smart piece of business, reminiscent of Brendan Rodgers’ previous masterstroke when he brought in Moussa Dembele in 2016.

Celtic, fresh off clinching both the Scottish Premiership title and the League Cup in the 2024/25 season, will now look to strengthen further. Although they narrowly missed out on a domestic treble — losing to Aberdeen in the Scottish Cup final — the campaign was largely a success, and manager Brendan Rodgers will be keen to push on both domestically and in Europe.

After falling short in the Champions League play-off round this past season, Rodgers knows reinforcements are needed. His aim is to build a squad capable not only of retaining domestic dominance but also making a stronger impact on the European stage.

Repeating the Moussa Dembele Trick

Rodgers is no stranger to pulling off bargain transfers that later prove to be hugely valuable, both in footballing and financial terms. One of the best examples was Moussa Dembele, whom Celtic signed from Fulham on a free transfer in 2016. Although a modest £500,000 compensation fee was involved due to Dembele’s age at the time, the move was a roaring success.

Dembele scored 51 goals in 94 appearances for the Bhoys and later joined French side Lyon for nearly £20 million — turning that initial investment into an enormous profit. Rodgers might now be looking to replicate that trick with Dolan, whose contract with Blackburn Rovers expires this summer, making him available for a relatively modest fee.

Who is Tyrhys Dolan?

Tyrhys Dolan is a quick, technically gifted winger who primarily plays on the right but is capable of operating across the forward line. A product of the Manchester City and Preston North End academies before moving to Blackburn, Dolan has become a key player at Ewood Park.

Still only 23, he has room to grow and fits the profile of a Rodgers signing — young, talented, versatile, and with a high ceiling. Despite Blackburn’s struggles this season, finishing in mid-table in the Championship, Dolan stood out thanks to his creativity, direct play, and work rate.

In the 2024/25 campaign, Dolan made 44 league appearances, scoring seven goals and registering six assists. He created seven big chances and averaged 38.1 touches per match — impressive stats for a player not in one of the division’s top teams.

A Low-Cost, High-Reward Opportunity

Due to his contract expiring, Dolan could be available for a reduced compensation fee — a situation that plays right into Celtic’s hands. Blackburn reportedly value him at around £10 million, but with the player set to become a free agent, Celtic could sign him for significantly less.

According to The Scottish Sun, both Celtic and Rangers are interested in the winger, with English side Norwich City also said to be monitoring the situation. A bidding war may emerge, but the lure of Champions League football and the chance to play for a dominant title-winning side may give Celtic the edge.

Rodgers is known for developing young players, and Dolan could thrive under his guidance. If he adapts well to the Scottish Premiership and the demands of European competition, his value could skyrocket — just as Dembele’s did.

Why Dolan is a Fit for Celtic

Dolan’s style of play is well-suited to Celtic’s approach. Under Rodgers, Celtic dominate possession, press high, and frequently rely on wide players to stretch the game and create openings. Dolan, with his quick feet, direct dribbling, and ability to beat defenders one-on-one, would bring added dynamism to the right flank.

Importantly, he is also a contributor in the final third — not just with goals, but in his chance creation. His 14 direct goal contributions this season are notable, particularly given Blackburn’s mid-table finish and inconsistent attacking form.

Placed into a more attacking, free-flowing side like Celtic — who have won the last four Premiership titles — Dolan would likely receive more opportunities to score and assist. His stats could receive a significant boost simply by virtue of playing in a team that dominates games and maintains pressure in the opponent’s half.

Rodgers could deploy him as a winger in a front three or even in a central attacking midfield role if needed. His tactical versatility is another asset that could make him valuable to Celtic, particularly in matches where flexibility is key.

The Dembele Comparison: More Than Just a Bargain Buy

While Dolan and Dembele are different types of players — the former a winger and the latter a centre-forward — the parallels lie in their age, potential, and contractual situation. Both arrived (or in Dolan’s case, could arrive) at Celtic at a young age, available at a cut-rate price, and with plenty of upside.

Dembele was unknown to many outside of Fulham when Celtic made their move, but he soon became a talismanic figure at Parkhead. There’s no guarantee Dolan will hit those heights, but his profile certainly suggests he has the potential to become a key player.

Even if the transfer does not work out, the financial risk is minimal — much like the Dembele deal. Given the likely low compensation fee, Celtic would not be gambling large sums. Instead, they would be investing in a player who, at worst, could contribute as a squad option, and at best, could develop into a star and be sold for a major profit.

Conclusion: A Smart Move Waiting to Happen?

In the end, Tyrhys Dolan represents everything Celtic should be targeting in the transfer market — a young, talented player on the cusp of a breakout, available at a discounted rate, and hungry for the next step in his career.

Brendan Rodgers has a strong track record of spotting such players and giving them the platform to thrive. With Celtic looking to build a squad capable of challenging on all fronts next season — including in Europe — a deal for Dolan could be one of the smartest moves of the summer.

Should Celtic win the race for his signature, they could once again find themselves repeating the Dembele trick — turning a modest signing into a major success story.