Celtic submit a bid to sign a replacement for Kasper Schmeichel.

Celtic have reportedly stepped up their pursuit of a new goalkeeper by submitting a bid for Croatian shot-stopper Dinko Horkaš, signalling that the club’s search for additional competition between the posts has entered a more advanced phase. After spending much of the summer monitoring and assessing a number of potential candidates, the Scottish champions now appear ready to move decisively in an effort to strengthen one of the key areas of the squad before the transfer window closes.

The latest reports indicate that Celtic have formally expressed their interest by making an offer, underlining their determination to bring another goalkeeper to the club. While several names have been linked with a move to Parkhead during the transfer window, Horkaš is now emerging as one of the leading candidates. The bid suggests the recruitment team has identified him as someone capable of challenging for a place in the starting line-up while providing quality depth in a position that has become increasingly important.

3BAYG1D Dinko Horkas of UD Las Palmas during the Spanish championship La Liga football match between Sevilla FC and UD Las Palmas on May 13, 2025 at Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan stadium in Sevilla, Spain

The search for another goalkeeper has gathered momentum following the contrasting spell enjoyed by Kasper Schmeichel during his time at Celtic. His first campaign at the club was widely viewed as a success, with the experienced Danish international producing several commanding performances and bringing leadership, composure and valuable experience to the back line. His displays justified the club’s decision to bring him to Glasgow and helped provide stability during an important period.

However, the second season proved to be far less convincing. Schmeichel struggled to replicate the consistency that had made him such an influential figure during his debut campaign. His performances became increasingly inconsistent, and questions began to emerge regarding whether he was still capable of performing at the high level expected by Celtic. Instead of remaining a dependable presence in goal, there were occasions when his displays came under greater scrutiny as mistakes and uncertain moments became more noticeable.

There were also concerns surrounding his physical condition. Reports suggested that fitness issues played a part in his decline, with discussions focusing on his weight as well as the shoulder injury that he carried for a significant period. That injury ultimately disrupted his campaign and eventually brought his second season to an early conclusion, preventing him from making the impact many supporters had hoped for during the latter stages of the campaign.

Following those developments, Viljami Sinisalo has assumed the role of first-choice goalkeeper. The Finnish international has been entrusted with the responsibility of leading the goalkeeping department and has shown encouraging signs whenever he has been called upon. His performances have demonstrated confidence and composure, giving the coaching staff reason to believe he has the potential to establish himself as Celtic’s long-term number one.

Despite Sinisalo’s promotion, the club recognises the importance of having genuine competition for places. At present, Ross Doohan is regarded primarily as a third-choice option rather than someone expected to seriously challenge for the starting position on a consistent basis. That lack of direct competition has strengthened the argument for signing another experienced goalkeeper capable of pushing Sinisalo while ensuring Celtic have sufficient depth to cope with the demands of a long and challenging season.

Horkaš appears to match the type of profile Celtic have been targeting. At this stage of his career, the Croatian goalkeeper is entering what many consider to be the prime years for players in his position. Goalkeepers often develop with experience, and Horkaš has gradually built a solid reputation through consistent performances across different leagues, gaining valuable experience that could serve him well if he completes a move to Scottish football.

His career has included spells in Croatia before he continued his development in Spain, where he further enhanced his reputation with a series of dependable performances. Those displays eventually earned him an opportunity with Las Palmas, allowing him to test himself at a higher level of competition and continue his progression. While he has not generated the same level of publicity as some of the other goalkeepers linked with Celtic in recent months, interest in him has quietly grown behind the scenes.

The fact that Celtic have now reportedly submitted an offer suggests that discussions have progressed significantly. It also reflects the club’s desire to complete important transfer business sooner rather than later, particularly given the demanding schedule that lies ahead. With domestic fixtures already underway, the coaching staff will want any new arrival to settle quickly and become familiar with the team’s playing style and tactical expectations.

Timing is particularly important because Celtic face a crucial period in the coming weeks. The Premiership campaign has already begun, but the immediate focus will soon shift towards the Champions League play-off. Securing qualification for Europe’s premier club competition remains one of the club’s biggest priorities, both from a sporting perspective and because of the significant financial rewards that accompany participation in the tournament.

Having stability in goal could prove vital during those decisive fixtures. A reliable goalkeeper can often make the difference in tightly contested European matches, and Celtic will want every member of the squad fully integrated before those important games arrive. Strengthening the position now would give the coaching staff additional confidence and greater flexibility when selecting the team for high-pressure encounters.

As the summer transfer window moves into its decisive stages, attention will remain firmly focused on Celtic’s efforts to reinforce the squad. The reported bid for Horkaš indicates that the club is making tangible progress in its search for another goalkeeper and could soon reach an agreement if negotiations continue positively. With major domestic and European challenges approaching, this is a transfer story that supporters are likely to watch very closely over the coming days and weeks as Celtic attempt to finalise another important piece of their squad for the season ahead.