Nottingham Forest are closing in on a deal to sign Celtic’s highly-rated teenage sensation Dara Jikiemi, according to sources who have spoken to Football Insider.
The 15-year-old winger has been turning heads in Scotland with his standout performances at youth level and has already captained his country’s Under-15 side. His rapid development has put him on the radar of top English clubs, and Forest now appear to be leading the race for his signature.
A Rising Star at Celtic
Jikiemi has been regarded as one of the brightest talents to emerge from Celtic’s youth ranks in recent years. Despite his age, he has already demonstrated maturity on the pitch, combining flair and creativity with natural leadership qualities. Celtic had hoped to nurture his progress at Parkhead, but Forest’s approach has made it increasingly difficult to keep him in Glasgow.
This move follows Football Insider’s exclusive April report that Forest were monitoring Jikiemi closely and planning to bring him south of the border. With advanced talks now underway, it appears the Premier League club are on the verge of succeeding in their pursuit.
Following a Growing Trend
If the deal goes through, Jikiemi would become the latest Celtic academy starlet to leave for England. The club has struggled in recent years to retain its best young players, with several opting for new challenges across the border.
Ben Doak made the switch to Liverpool’s academy in 2022 and has since broken into the first team, registering ten senior appearances and impressing during a loan spell at Middlesbrough. His progress has now earned him a potential £20 million move to Bournemouth, underlining the rewards of such a bold decision.
Similarly, Rocco Vata departed for Watford earlier this summer, frustrated by a lack of first-team opportunities under Brendan Rodgers.
Jikiemi’s potential move to Nottingham Forest would continue that pattern, as young Scottish talents seek quicker routes to Premier League football.
Forest’s Ambitious Youth Strategy
For Nottingham Forest, snapping up Jikiemi aligns with their strategy of investing in young talent with the potential to develop into first-team regulars or valuable assets. Under Nuno Espírito Santo, Forest have been looking to strengthen both their senior squad and academy setup, ensuring a long-term vision for growth.
Securing a deal for one of Scotland’s brightest prospects would mark another statement of intent from the club, which has been active in the transfer market since returning to the Premier League.
What’s Next for Jikiemi?
While a move to Forest would represent a major step in Jikiemi’s career, it will also be a significant challenge. Transitioning from Celtic’s academy to the competitive environment of English football is no small task, but if his progress so far is any indication, he has the talent and temperament to adapt.
For Celtic, however, it will be another blow to their hopes of building a strong academy-to-first-team pipeline, as the lure of the Premier League continues to draw away their most exciting youngsters.