Celtic’s Ambitious Move for Watford’s Rising Star Hits Unexpected Snag
In a transfer saga that has sent ripples through Scottish and English football circles, Celtic FC have confirmed they have reached an agreement in principle to sign highly-rated Watford attacker Othmane Maamma during the January window. The 20-year-old Moroccan prodigy, fresh off a starring role in Morocco’s triumphant U20 World Cup campaign, represents the kind of bold acquisition that could bolster Celtic’s push for domestic dominance and European adventures. However, just as excitement builds among the Hoops faithful, a significant hurdle has emerged: Watford’s staunch refusal to let their prized asset depart so soon after his summer arrival.
The news broke late on Friday evening, with Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers hinting at the club’s proactive approach in the transfer market during a post-match press conference following their 2-1 victory over Hibernian at Easter Road. “We’re always looking to add quality and youth to this squad,” Rodgers said, his trademark measured tone betraying a glint of optimism. “Othmane is a player we’ve admired for some time—his vision, his flair, it’s the kind of talent that can elevate us.” While Rodgers stopped short of confirming the deal outright, sources close to the club have revealed that personal terms have been settled with Maamma’s representatives, paving the way for what could be a transformative addition to Celtic’s attacking options.
Othmane Maamma’s meteoric rise has been nothing short of captivating. Born in Casablanca, the versatile forward honed his skills in the youth academies of French Ligue 1 side Montpellier, where his blend of technical prowess and explosive pace caught the eye of scouts across Europe. At just 18, he made his senior debut for Montpellier in a Coupe de France tie, dazzling with a curling assist that belied his tender years. But it was this summer’s FIFA U20 World Cup in Argentina that catapulted him into the global spotlight. Donning the Atlas Lions’ jersey, Maamma orchestrated Morocco’s historic first-ever triumph in the tournament, defeating a star-studded Argentina side 3-1 in the final after navigating a gauntlet of elite opposition including Spain, Brazil, and France.
Statistically, Maamma’s contributions were understated yet pivotal: one clinical goal—a deft chip over the keeper in the quarter-final against Brazil—and four assists that unlocked defenses with surgical precision. His reward? The prestigious Golden Ball award as the competition’s best player, a nod to his maturity beyond his years. “Othmane is the heartbeat of this team,” gushed Morocco’s U20 coach, Jamal Sellami, after the final. “He plays with the freedom of a street footballer but the intelligence of a veteran.” For Celtic, who have long prized players with international pedigree—think Odsonne Edouard or Jota—this pedigree aligns perfectly with their recruitment philosophy under Rodgers.
Maamma’s move to Watford in July 2025 was a coup for the Championship outfit, who snapped him up on a four-year deal reportedly worth around £3 million, with add-ons that could push the figure to £5 million based on appearances and promotions. Under manager Javi Gracia, Watford have adopted a patient integration strategy, mindful of the young attacker’s acclimatization to the rigors of English football. His Championship bow came as a substitute in a 1-1 draw against Norwich City last month, where he nearly marked the occasion with a goal, only for his shot to cannon off the post. A subsequent cameo against Preston North End showcased his dribbling wizardry, earning plaudits from Gracia: “Othmane brings something special—energy, creativity. We’re building him up gradually because he’s going to be huge for us.”
Watford’s current standing in the Championship—sitting fourth with 28 points from 16 games—has only heightened their resolve to retain core talents like Maamma. The Hornets, backed by the Gino Pozzo regime’s shrewd financial model, view the Moroccan as a cornerstone in their quest for Premier League promotion. Last season’s playoff heartbreak still lingers, and with a squad blending experience (James Ward-Prowse on loan from West Ham) and youth, Maamma embodies the long-term vision. Selling him now, mere months after his arrival, would not only disrupt squad harmony but also risk alienating a fanbase hungry for stability after years of flux.
This, then, is the crux of the “big transfer obstacle” looming over Celtic’s ambitions: Watford’s outright rejection of any overtures, at least for the foreseeable future. Initial discussions between the clubs, facilitated through intermediaries, reportedly broke down when Watford demanded a fee exceeding £8 million—more than double what they paid—to even entertain a January exit. “We’re not in the business of flipping players for profit at the expense of our project,” a Watford source told reporters, emphasizing the club’s commitment to development over short-term gains. Unlike cash-strapped lower-tier clubs, Watford face no financial imperatives to sell; their wage bill is sustainable, and revenue from TV deals and sponsorships provides a buffer. Moreover, Maamma’s contract, laced with a hefty sell-on clause favoring Montpellier, complicates negotiations further, as any deal would need to satisfy multiple stakeholders.
For Celtic, the frustration is palpable. The Parkhead outfit have enjoyed a blistering start to the 2025-26 Scottish Premiership campaign, unbeaten in their last 12 league outings and topping the table by seven points over rivals Rangers. Yet, injuries to key forwards like Kyogo Furuhashi have exposed vulnerabilities up top, with Rodgers rotating through a threadbare options list. Maamma’s arrival would inject dynamism: his ability to play as a No. 10 or on either flank complements the high-pressing, possession-based style that has become Rodgers’ hallmark. Scouts dispatched to the U20 World Cup filed glowing reports, highlighting Maamma’s 92% pass completion rate and his penchant for progressive carries—metrics that scream “Celtic fit.”
The transfer window’s peculiarities add another layer of intrigue. With the January market just weeks away, Celtic’s hierarchy—led by director of football Michael Nicholson—must weigh the risks of overpaying against the rewards of securing a gem before bigger fish circle. Premier League sides like Brighton and Fulham have been whispered as admirers, drawn by Maamma’s versatility in a market starved of creative midfielders. Celtic’s trump card? Their track record of nurturing young talents into stars, offering Champions League exposure that Watford’s Championship grind can’t match. “At Celtic, you’d be starting every week, playing in Europe,” one insider noted. “That’s the pitch we’re making.”
Fan reactions have been a mix of euphoria and caution. On Celtic’s official forums and social media, #SignMaamma trended briefly overnight, with supporters hailing him as “the next Abada with flair.” Yet, pragmatists point to past sagas—like the protracted pursuit of Jota from Benfica in 2021—that dragged into summer. “Rodgers gets his man eventually,” tweeted veteran pundit Tom Miller, “but this one’s got legs. Watford won’t budge without a king’s ransom.”
As negotiations simmer behind closed doors, the onus falls on Celtic to sweeten the pot—perhaps bundling in a loan-back clause or performance incentives. For Maamma, torn between loyalty to his new club and the siren call of Glasgow’s green pastures, the decision could define his career trajectory. Watford, meanwhile, will continue their measured rollout, hoping a string of starts cements his loyalty.
In the grand theatre of transfers, where deals are as much psychological warfare as financial chess, this standoff underscores the modern game’s complexities. Celtic’s announcement of a “deal in principle” is a statement of intent, a gauntlet thrown to Watford’s resolve. But with the Hornets digging in, the Hoops may need more than scouting reports and silver tongues to prevail. As winter bites, all eyes turn to Vicarage Road and Parkhead: will ambition triumph over obstinacy, or will Maamma’s Scottish dream remain just that?