Celtic seek to seal the deal “immediately” – O’Neill’s team prepared to submit an offer with an affordable fee.

Celtic are stepping up their pursuit of a new first-choice goalkeeper following the retirement of Kasper Schmeichel, with the Scottish champions determined to secure a replacement as quickly as possible. The experienced Danish international confirmed his retirement in May, leaving a significant vacancy between the posts at Celtic Park ahead of the new season. Replacing a player of Schmeichel’s stature has become one of the club’s highest priorities during the summer transfer window, and work is continuing behind the scenes to identify the right candidate.

Over the past few weeks, Celtic have been linked with several goalkeepers as they assess their options. Among the names most strongly connected with a move to Glasgow are Hertha BSC goalkeeper Tjark Ernst and UD Las Palmas shot-stopper Dinko Horkaš. Both players have been monitored closely, with reports suggesting the club has explored the possibility of signing either goalkeeper before preparations for the new campaign gather momentum.

Ernst Emerges as the Main Transfer Target

Kasper Schmeichel left Celtic and has announced his retirement in May

Earlier this month, reports from Germany claimed that Celtic had officially entered the race to sign Tjark Ernst. The 23-year-old has developed into one of the most promising young goalkeepers in German football, attracting interest from several clubs across Europe after establishing himself as Hertha Berlin’s undisputed first-choice goalkeeper.

A few days after those initial reports emerged, further updates indicated that Celtic were also in discussions with Spanish club Las Palmas regarding Dinko Horkaš. It was suggested that the Scottish champions had submitted an offer worth around €4 million, while Las Palmas had reduced their asking price from €10 million to approximately €7 million in an attempt to encourage negotiations.

However, the latest reports indicate that Ernst has now become the club’s preferred option. Fresh information from Berlin-based newspaper BZ focuses entirely on Celtic’s pursuit of the Hertha goalkeeper, with no reference made to Horkaš. That development suggests the German international prospect has moved ahead of other candidates as the club’s priority target.

Ernst’s Progress at Hertha Berlin

Ernst joined Hertha Berlin in 2022 and gradually worked his way into the senior squad before becoming the club’s first-choice goalkeeper during the 2023 season. Since claiming the starting position, he has gained valuable experience despite still being only 23 years of age.

Across all competitions, the goalkeeper has made 97 appearances for Hertha. During that period, he has recorded 24 clean sheets while conceding 140 goals. Although those numbers reflect the challenges faced by the club, they also demonstrate the amount of senior football he has accumulated at a relatively young age.

Last season alone, Ernst featured in 37 matches. He kept 12 clean sheets and conceded 46 goals, performances that further strengthened his reputation within German football. His consistency and maturity have attracted attention from clubs seeking a reliable long-term option between the posts.

Celtic Face Competition for His Signature

Celtic’s pursuit of Ernst will not be straightforward, with several clubs eager to secure his services this summer. Dutch giants Feyenoord have shown significant interest in the goalkeeper and are expected to compete directly with the Scottish champions throughout the transfer window.

According to the latest reports, both Celtic and Feyenoord are keen to complete a deal immediately. Each club wants Ernst to arrive in time to become their first-choice goalkeeper for the upcoming campaign, making the race for his signature increasingly competitive.

Adding further complexity to the situation is the recent involvement of Borussia Mönchengladbach. The Bundesliga side has also entered the race, creating a three-way battle involving clubs from Scotland, the Netherlands and Germany.

Affordable Release Clause Boosts Interest

Despite Ernst remaining under contract with Hertha until 2027, his current deal contains a release clause valued at €5 million. That figure is regarded as highly reasonable given the goalkeeper’s age, experience and long-term potential.

Reports suggest both Celtic and Feyenoord are prepared to activate the release clause without hesitation because they believe the asking price represents excellent value in the current transfer market. Rather than becoming involved in lengthy negotiations with Hertha, triggering the clause would allow either club to complete the transfer once personal terms are agreed.

Feyenoord have reportedly made their intentions particularly clear to Ernst’s representatives. The Dutch club has informed the goalkeeper’s camp that signing him is one of their major priorities this summer and that they are determined to complete the transfer if possible.

Champions League Football Could Be Celtic’s Biggest Advantage

Although competition for Ernst’s signature is intense, Celtic may possess one crucial advantage over the other interested clubs. The Scottish champions have already secured a place in the UEFA Champions League play-offs, giving them the opportunity to offer European football at the highest level next season.

Neither Feyenoord nor Borussia Mönchengladbach is expected to participate in European competition during the upcoming campaign. That difference could play a decisive role as Ernst considers his future and evaluates which destination offers the best platform for his continued development.

For ambitious young players, the chance to compete in the Champions League remains one of the biggest attractions in club football. Celtic will hope that opportunity persuades Ernst to choose Glasgow ahead of the competing offers from elsewhere in Europe.

Deal Could Move Quickly

If Ernst decides that Celtic is the right destination, completing the transfer should prove relatively straightforward. Activating the €5 million release clause would eliminate the need for complicated negotiations with Hertha Berlin, allowing the Scottish champions to move quickly once the player gives his approval.

With Schmeichel’s retirement leaving an important vacancy in the squad, Celtic are eager to conclude their goalkeeper search without unnecessary delays. Ernst’s combination of youth, experience and proven ability makes him an attractive long-term solution for the position, and the club appears ready to act decisively if the opportunity presents itself.

While Dinko Horkaš remains another goalkeeper previously linked with the Scottish champions, current reports suggest that Ernst has become the leading candidate. As multiple clubs continue competing for his signature, further developments are expected over the coming hours and days, with Celtic hoping Champions League football and a straightforward €5 million release clause will help secure one of their key summer transfer targets.