Celtic are setting their sights on a promising young talent as they look to sharpen their attack ahead of the 2026/27 season. According to journalist Pete O'Rourke, the Scottish giants have been closely monitoring Falkirk striker Barney Stewart, with the 22-year-old emerging as a key target for the upcoming transfer window.
The Bhoys are in the market for fresh firepower up front, and Stewart is just one of several domestic names on their radar. Alongside Motherwell's Tawanda Maswanhise and Hearts youngster Claudio Braga, the Falkirk forward has caught the eye with a standout season in the Scottish Premiership. It's not just Celtic taking notice—multiple Scottish clubs are circling, and a few EFL sides are reportedly preparing bids of their own.
Stewart has been a revelation during Falkirk's first campaign back in the top flight. With eight goals from 16 league starts, he boasts a conversion rate of 20.5%, making him one of the most clinical strikers in the division. To put that in perspective, he's actually outperforming Celtic's own Daizen Maeda, who sits at 16.1%. Beyond the goals, Stewart averages 1.08 shots on target per 90 minutes, edging out Maeda's 1.02. Those numbers don't lie—this is a player who knows how to find the net.
His impact has been instrumental in Falkirk's push for a top-half finish in their first top-flight season in years. As a Scotland Under-21 international with plenty of development ahead of him, Stewart fits the profile Celtic typically pursue: young, hungry, and already battle-tested in Scottish football. It's a formula that has served the club well in the past.
But will he solve Celtic's problems? The honest answer is partly, but not entirely. For Champions League qualifying, the Bhoys need a proven finisher with European experience to lead the line. Stewart's 0.54 goals per 90 minutes in the Premiership is better than Maeda's 0.35, but stepping up to a club of Celtic's stature comes with risks. Falkirk don't face the same relentless pressure or elite defensive setups that Celtic encounter week in and week out. Still, at 22, Stewart has the raw tools and the right mindset to grow into the role. Whether he's the immediate answer or a long-term investment, one thing is clear: Celtic are watching, and the buzz around this young striker is only getting louder.