Alfie Devine’s stats vs Birmingham show why Celtic must accelerate summer move
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Credit: Imago Thu 23 April 2026 15:38, UK Alfie Devine showed why Celtic should prioritise his signing this summer with another stellar performance for Preston North End against Birmingham City. Devine has been linked with a move to Celtic ahead of the summer transfer window as he impresses on loan at Preston from Tottenham Hotspur.He produced another fine showing against Birmingham on Wednesday to prove that he would be a great addition to the Hoops’ ranks for next term.It remains to be seen if Tottenham could utilise him next season, however, with relegation to the Championship being a genuine possibility as it stands.Celtic’s transfer plans are up in the air with a new manager yet to be appointed, but they should certainly be prioritising a move for Devine, especially with a new attacking midfielder potentially being needed if certain players depart. 🔄 Celtic Transfer Update 🔄 Breaking news on latest signings, departures, and contract news from the Parkhead boardroom.
VISIT THE CELTIC TRANSFER HUB MORE FOOTBALL INSIDER STORIES Celtic must be accelerating Alfie Devine plans after Birmingham showingSources revealed to Football Insider earlier this month that Martin O’Neill had scouted Devine during Preston’s Championship clash against QPR.O’Neill will not be the Hoops’ manager next term, but seems set to stay on in some capacity, potentially advising their next boss on transfers and tactics.Minutes96′Chances created3Big chances created1Touches50Successful dribbles2/2Passes into the final third8Recoveries8Ground duels won2/2Devine’s stats vs BirminghamThey will clearly be aware of the 21-year-old’s talents, having likely scouted him over numerous months, and his latest performance showed exactly why he would be a great fit for Celtic.Devine was Preston’s most influential player at St Andrew’s, as shown by his statistics from the match, and he provided the dangerous corner for Andrew Hughes to score but was not officially given the assist after James Beadle got a touch on the ball.He covered the pitch from central midfield and was close to netting his ninth goal of the campaign before Phil Neumann’s great covering tackle in the 53rd minute.Preston may have lost 2-1, but Devine was still impactful and showed that he is not a luxury player who only turns up when his team is in the ascendancy.Benjamin Nygren uncertainty should make Preston alert to Devine moveDevine is an attacking midfielder by trade, but can also play deeper as a number eight or even on the left wing.His versatility is similar to Celtic star Nygren, who has played in various positions across the midfield and even in the front three in his debut season in Scotland.The 24-year-old’s strong form is not going unnoticed, with sources telling Football Insider that Premier League clubs are interested in Nygren and he is open to moving south of the border this summer.It certainly seems likely that the Hoops cash in and let him go, especially considering he was signed for just £1.7million last summer.With his exit being a distinct possibility, Celtic should already be planning to sign a replacement, with Devine looking like a realistic, shrewd replacement in the middle of the park.