12 May 2026 06:41 BST |
4 min read
Millwall’s 2-0 defeat to Hull City in the Championship play-off semi-finals on Monday night could indirectly harm Celtic’s bid to sign Plymouth Argyle striker Lorent Tolaj this summer.
After a 0-0 draw in the first-leg, Alex Neil’s side went into the reverse fixture at The Den as heavy favourites, but they were put to the sword by strikes from Mohamed Belloumi and Joe Gelhardt in the second-half.
Despite boasting 65% possession on the night, Millwall could only muster three shots on target and after a third-place finish in the regular season, their 2025-26 campaign has now ended with a disappointing whimper.
However, with Championship football on the cards again at The Den next season, Millwall could reignite their pursuit of the aforementioned Tolaj.
The 24-year-old has been linked with a move to the east London outfit for several months, but a transfer wasn’t expected to take place if they secured promotion to the Premier League. However, with Millwall set for another campaign at Championship level, a deal may well be targeted.
Tolaj scored 22 goals in 39 games across all competitions in 2025-26, and after Plymouth narrowly missed out on the League One play-offs this term, widespread reports have confirmed that he is likely to leave the club during the upcoming summer transfer window.
His current contract with Tom Cleverley’s side runs until 2029, having only arrived from Port Vale last August, but the Pilgrims will face a significant battle to retain his services this summer, while strike partner Bim Pepple has also been heavily linked with an exit.
Lorent Tolaj bags his first @EFL hat-trick! 🎯 pic.twitter.com/DYqacWAaBH
— Plymouth Argyle FC (@Argyle) December 20, 2025
Celtic face Lorent Tolaj transfer battle
With Millwall set to challenge for Tolaj’s signature, and having Championship football to offer, they will be fierce competitors for Celtic to deal with in the market.
The Scottish giants have been linked with Tolaj for several months and it’s understood that he is on the club’s radar as they look to sign a new striker this summer amid the uncertain future of Kelechi Iheanacho.
Rangers have also added the Swiss forward to their list of summer targets, as per Football Insider, and although both Old Firm clubs may be able to offer European football, the pull of staying in England could convince Tolaj to join Millwall instead.
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