Celtic appear to be edging closer to another major piece of summer transfer business, with negotiations reportedly underway with Slovan Liberec over highly-rated midfielder
According to the latest information from HereCelts, no official bid has been submitted at this stage, but discussions between the clubs are ongoing and a deal is now understood to be closer than it was previously.
The fee being discussed is believed to be just under £6 million, a figure that would represent a significant investment from the Scottish champions in a player who has enjoyed a rapid rise over the past year.
Celtic Step Up Interest
The latest development is particularly interesting because previous reports had suggested Celtic were monitoring Mahmić rather than actively pushing to complete a deal.
That situation now appears to have changed, with negotiations taking place and the Hoops seemingly exploring what would be required to take the 21-year-old away from the Czech Republic.
There is still work to be done before supporters can consider the transfer close to completion, especially because an official bid has not yet been made.
No Official Bid Yet, But Talks Are Moving
The distinction between negotiations and an official offer is important, meaning Celtic have not yet reached the stage where a transfer can be considered imminent.
However, the fact that discussions are ongoing should provide encouragement to supporters who have been following the growing speculation surrounding the Bosnia and Herzegovina international.
With the proposed fee understood to be just below £6m, Celtic will now have to decide whether Mahmić represents the right investment for the next stage of their squad-building plans.
Why Celtic Are Interested
Mahmić has quickly established himself as one of the more intriguing young attacking midfielders to emerge from the Czech league.
Slovan Liberec’s official records show that he made 28 league appearances, scoring seven goals and registering three assists during the 2025/26 campaign. 0
Those numbers are particularly impressive given that it was his first season at Slovan after arriving from Austrian side SV Lafnitz.
He had previously spent time in the youth systems of LASK and Rapid Vienna before moving into senior football, giving him experience in different footballing environments despite his relatively young age.
A Player Who Has Already Caught International Attention
Mahmić’s reputation grew considerably during the summer after he represented Bosnia and Herzegovina at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
He scored twice during the tournament and attracted significant attention, adding an international dimension to a profile that had already been developing strongly at club level. 1
His World Cup performances have inevitably increased his value and helped put him on the radar of clubs outside the Czech Republic.
That also means Celtic are unlikely to have a completely free run at the player, with reports previously linking him with interest from clubs in Italy and Turkish giants Besiktas.
Slovan Liberec Face a Difficult Decision
From Slovan Liberec’s perspective, selling Mahmić now would provide a substantial financial return on a player they only signed in June 2025.
The Czech club announced his arrival from SV Lafnitz on a four-year contract, describing him as a talented midfielder with the potential to develop further. 3
His rapid progression means the club now finds itself in a position where an offer approaching £6m could be difficult to ignore.
Celtic Could Have Competition
The biggest complication for Celtic could be competition from elsewhere, particularly if other clubs are prepared to match or improve upon Slovan Liberec’s valuation.
Earlier reports suggested Mahmić could be valued between £6m and £6.8m, while several clubs have reportedly been monitoring his situation. 4
Celtic will therefore need to move carefully but decisively if they genuinely want to secure his signature before the transfer window closes.
The latest claim that negotiations are ongoing could indicate that the Hoops are attempting to establish favourable terms before putting a formal proposal on the table.
Another Statement of Celtic’s Transfer Ambition?
Should Celtic eventually complete the deal, Mahmić would become another significant addition to a squad that has already seen considerable transfer activity.
The club have been strengthening in several areas, including the attack and midfield, as they look to build a squad capable of competing domestically while also improving their prospects in European competition.
Adding a young player with international experience could fit perfectly into that strategy.
Martin O’Neill’s Midfield Options
For Martin O’Neill, the potential arrival of Mahmić would provide another attacking option in midfield and could give Celtic greater flexibility when facing teams that defend deep.
His ability to contribute goals from midfield is particularly interesting because Celtic need players capable of creating and finishing chances when opponents sit behind the ball.
Mahmić’s seven league goals last season demonstrate that he is not simply a player who operates as a creator but someone who can also make meaningful contributions in the final third. 5
What Could Mahmić Bring to Celtic?
At 21, Mahmić would represent both a short-term and long-term investment for Celtic.
His age means there should still be significant room for development, while his experience of senior football and international competition means he would not be arriving completely untested.
His previous comments after joining Slovan Liberec also suggest that he is ambitious and views his career as a series of steps towards a higher level.
When he joined the Czech club, Mahmić said he believed the move was the right step for his development after two important years playing senior football at Lafnitz. 6
The £6m Question
The major question for Celtic will be whether paying close to £6m represents good value for a player who has only enjoyed one full season in the Czech top flight.
On the other hand, waiting too long could prove expensive if his market value continues to rise following his international breakthrough.
Celtic have increasingly looked towards younger players with potential, and Mahmić fits that recruitment model while also bringing a level of immediate first-team experience.
A Potentially Smart Long-Term Investment
If Celtic can negotiate a deal below Slovan Liberec’s reported valuation, they could potentially secure a player whose value increases substantially over the next few seasons.
His World Cup exposure has already demonstrated how quickly his profile can grow, and regular European football with Celtic could give him another platform to attract attention.
That could make the transfer financially attractive as well as sporting beneficial, although the player would first need to adapt to the demands of Scottish football.
Celtic Fans Will Be Watching Closely
For supporters, the latest development is likely to generate plenty of excitement because Mahmić is no longer simply a name appearing on a transfer shortlist.
Negotiations with Slovan Liberec suggest there is now a more concrete effort to explore whether a deal can be reached.
Nevertheless, supporters will have to remain patient because there is currently no official bid and no agreement between the clubs.
The next major development will therefore be whether Celtic turn those negotiations into a formal offer for the Bosnia and Herzegovina international.
What Happens Next?
Celtic’s immediate priority will be to determine the final financial terms of the transfer and whether Slovan Liberec are prepared to accept a figure close to the reported £6m mark.
If the two clubs can reach an understanding, personal terms and the player’s willingness to make the move would then become the next major steps towards completing the transfer.
For now, the situation remains one to watch, but the direction of travel appears increasingly positive for Celtic.
There is no official agreement yet and no formal bid has been confirmed, but with negotiations ongoing and the fee understood to be just under £6m, Celtic supporters have genuine reason to keep a very close eye on Ermin Mahmić’s situation.
If the Hoops can get the deal over the line, they could be adding one of the most exciting young midfielders to emerge from the Czech league to their squad at a crucial stage of the summer window.