West Ham midfielder Andy Irving’s future appears unclear. Scottish giants Celtic have been linked with the 25 year old previously and may opt to make a move for the midfielder this summer.

Irving has had quite an unconventional career path. Coming through the ranks at Scottish side Hearts, Irving spent time on loan in the lower leagues of Scottish football. The midfielder went on to make 61 appearances for Hearts before departing the club in the summer of 2021 in search of a new opportunity.

This took him to Germany where he signed for third tier side Turkgucu Munchen and spent a season there. After a season in Germany, Irving joined Austrian Bundesliga side SK Austria Klagenfurt. His first season in Austria saw him score six and register nine assists from 34 games in all competitions. This led to him initially joining West Ham in the summer of 2023.

The 25 year old returned to SK Austria Klagenfurt on loan for the 2023/24 season. His second season in the Austrian top flight was another successful one, scoring 10 goals and providing five assists in thirty appearances in all competitions.

The links with a move to Celtic first appeared last summer when Irving returned to West Ham from his loan spell for pre season. Reports at the time suggested Irving’s strong pre season showing convinced former Hammers boss Julen Lopetegui to keep him at the club, putting a halt to Celtic’s pursuit of the midfielder.

After Lopetegui’s dismissal and the appointment of Graham Potter as West Ham manager, Celtic were once again linked with Irving in the January transfer window. With Potter joining mid season, naturally he wished to see the 25 year old in training and form his own opinion of the midfielder before considering letting him potentially leave the club.

Irving ultimately remained in East London for the rest of the 24/25 season. Ending the campaign with 10 Premier League appearances, and a further appearance in the Carabao Cup, Irving spent his first full season in Claret and Blue as a squad player rather than a regular starter.

Despite his role as a squad player, Irving saw himself become somewhat of a cult hero among the West Ham fan base. A career that has seen the Scottish midfielder rise from relative obscurity to Premier League football has seen him capture the hearts of Hammers fans. Irving has spoken publicly of the support he has received from the West Ham faithful since joining the club. When Irving made his first start away against Chelsea, countless songs were heard from the away end referencing the 25 year old.

This season has seen Irving earn his first call ups to the Scotland squad. The Hammers midfielder recently made his Scotland debut, coming on in the 59th minute, as Scotland saw off Liechtenstein with a convincing 4-0 win. With Irving now in and around the Scotland team, moving forward, more regular game time will be important in helping him earn more caps for his national team.

It remains to be seen where Irving’s future lies this summer, but it will certainly be interesting to see how things unfold. Should Celtic reignite their interest in Irving this summer, the Scottish giants may have a better opportunity of striking a deal with West Ham. If West Ham were to sell Irving, it would be unlikely that he would command much of a transfer fee.

If Celtic make their move, a loan deal with an option to buy could suit both parties. At 25, it would give Irving the opportunity to get more regular game time, and should the loan move prove to be a success it would help West Ham increase Irving’s market value.