Celtic move closer to a club record transfer in a key position as negotiations with European club advance.

Celtic Leading the Race for Croatian Goalkeeper

Celtic have reportedly taken a significant step in their pursuit of Las Palmas goalkeeper Dinko Horkas, with the Scottish champions emerging as the frontrunners to secure the Croatian’s signature during the summer transfer window.

Reports indicate that the Parkhead club have already submitted an opening offer worth approximately £3.5 million for the 27-year-old goalkeeper. Although the proposal falls short of Las Palmas’ valuation, Celtic are believed to be in a strong position compared to other interested clubs.

Horkas has attracted attention from teams across Europe, with clubs in Germany, France, Italy and Portugal all monitoring his progress. Despite that widespread interest, Celtic are currently viewed as the favourites to complete a deal if negotiations continue positively.

Martin O’Neill Prioritising a New Number One

Manager Martin O’Neill is making the search for a new first-choice goalkeeper one of his main priorities following the retirement of experienced Danish international Kasper Schmeichel.

Replacing a player of Schmeichel’s quality is viewed as a major objective ahead of the new campaign, and Horkas has emerged as one of the club’s preferred candidates after an impressive season in Spain.

The Croatian goalkeeper caught Celtic’s attention through a series of consistent performances in the Spanish second division, helping establish himself as one of the league’s standout performers.

Strong Season in Spanish Football

Horkas played an important role in Las Palmas’ campaign, helping the club reach the promotion play-off semi-finals in La Liga 2.

Although Las Palmas were eventually eliminated over two legs by Malaga, who went on to secure promotion, the goalkeeper’s displays throughout the season enhanced his reputation considerably.

His reliability between the posts was reflected in an impressive record of 14 clean sheets in 43 appearances across all competitions. Those performances have convinced several European clubs that he is ready to take the next step in his career.

The goalkeeper remains under contract with Las Palmas until 2028 after agreeing a four-year extension two years ago, placing the Spanish club in a strong negotiating position.

Opening Bid Below Las Palmas’ Valuation

While Celtic have made the first move with a reported £3.5 million offer, Spanish reports suggest Las Palmas are seeking a considerably higher fee before agreeing to sell.

The club are believed to value Horkas at around €10 million, which equates to roughly £8.5 million. However, it is understood they may be willing to negotiate if an offer exceeding £6 million arrives.

As a result, Celtic’s opening proposal is unlikely to be accepted in its current form, meaning further discussions and improved bids could be required before an agreement is reached.

Negotiations are expected to continue as Celtic weigh up how much they are prepared to invest in strengthening the goalkeeping department.

Competition for the Goalkeeper Position

At present, Celtic have Viljami Sinisalo and Ross Doohan available as their senior goalkeeping options.

Sinisalo stepped into the starting role during the closing stages of last season after Schmeichel encountered injury problems, while Doohan provided experienced backup.

Despite Sinisalo performing admirably when called upon, reports suggest Celtic are still determined to recruit an established first-choice goalkeeper before the new season begins.

That approach indicates the club view Horkas as someone capable of immediately becoming their number one rather than simply adding depth to the squad.

Another goalkeeper linked with Celtic is Hertha Berlin’s Tjark Ernst, but Horkas appears to have become the leading candidate as recruitment plans gather pace.

Potential Record-Breaking Transfer

Should Celtic eventually agree to pay more than £6 million for Horkas, the transfer would represent a historic investment in a goalkeeper.

The club’s current record fee for a goalkeeper stands at approximately £4.5 million, paid to sign Vasilis Barkas from AEK Athens in 2020.

Breaking that record would underline how highly Celtic rate Horkas and demonstrate their determination to secure a long-term replacement for Schmeichel.

Such an investment would also reflect the importance the club places on strengthening one of the most influential positions in the squad ahead of another demanding campaign.

Horkas’ Journey to the Top

The Croatian goalkeeper began his football career with HNK Segesta before earning a move to the renowned Dinamo Zagreb academy in 2011.

He progressed steadily through Dinamo’s youth system and eventually became a regular member of the club’s reserve side, continuing his development within one of Croatia’s most successful football institutions.

Seeking valuable first-team experience, Horkas embarked on several loan spells. His first temporary move came in 2020 when he joined Zrinjski Mostar.

Further opportunities followed at NK Varazdin and HSK Posusje, allowing him to gain experience across different competitions while continuing to develop as a goalkeeper.

Success Before Joining Las Palmas

After his loan spells, Horkas secured a permanent transfer to Bulgarian side Lokomotiv Plovdiv.

His performances quickly established him as one of the team’s most important players, and his outstanding displays earned him the club’s Player of the Season award during his second campaign.

That recognition attracted interest from abroad and ultimately led Las Palmas to bring him to Spain.

Initially required to remain patient for opportunities, Horkas eventually established himself in the senior team towards the end of his first season with the club.

Last season proved to be his breakthrough campaign, as he delivered consistent performances, recorded 14 clean sheets in 43 matches and played a major role in Las Palmas’ push for promotion.

Those displays have now placed him firmly on Celtic’s transfer shortlist, with the Scottish champions hoping continued negotiations will allow them to complete a deal for one of Europe’s most sought-after goalkeepers before the new season gets underway.

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