Athletic Bilbao has focused on Celtic's young forward Zion Pullan after his recent Spain U‑15 call‑up, stirring concern among Celtic supporters.
What happened?
According to La Cantera de Lezama, cited by AthleticXtra, the Basque club is closely monitoring Pullan, who has scored 58 goals and provided 35 assists with Celtic's U‑15 and U‑17 sides. The player, able to play as a winger or striker, has attracted interest from several European clubs, but Athletic Bilbao's attention stands out due to its tradition of signing local talent.
Why does it matter to Celtic?
Celtic has struggled to promote its youth to the first team; names like Karamoko Dembele or Ben Doak left the club before establishing themselves. The lack of a clear pathway to the starting XI makes emerging talents consider external offers. Pullan's possible departure could reinforce the perception that the Scottish club does not provide enough opportunities to its prospects.
What does it mean for Athletic Bilbao?
The interest in Pullan fits Athletic's policy of recruiting players from the Basque region. Adding a striker with a record of 58 youth‑level goals would add depth to the attack and uphold the club's philosophy of developing homegrown talent. Moreover, the link with the Spain U‑15 national team suggests a promising future for the player.
What comes next?
So far, no formal offer has been announced nor a confirmed visit by the player. The situation remains uncertain as Celtic decides whether to offer a faster route to the first team or if the youngster will pursue a new challenge in the Basque Country. Fans of both clubs will closely monitor any developments.
Note: This article is based on information available as of August 2 2026 and reflects the current situation without speculation about definitive deals.
