Celtic’s summer transfer window may have started slowly, but the latest reports suggest the Scottish champions are far from finished in their pursuit of new signings.
After weeks of frustration among supporters over the lack of fresh arrivals, the Hoops are now being strongly linked with a renewed move for one of Scandinavia’s most highly-rated young defenders.
Manager Martin O’Neill returned to Lennoxtown on Friday to begin preparations for the new campaign alongside those players not involved in the World Cup. However, despite expectations that new faces would already be through the door, the squad reported back with no summer additions to welcome.
That has only increased the pressure on the club’s recruitment team, especially after O’Neill reportedly made strengthening the defence one of his biggest priorities ahead of another demanding domestic and European campaign.
Now, there are growing suggestions that Celtic are preparing to increase their bid for Sandefjord centre-back Zinedin Smajlovic after seeing an opening offer worth around £3.5 million rejected earlier this summer.
The 22-year-old defender has rapidly established himself as one of the brightest defensive prospects in Scandinavian football. Standing at an imposing 6ft 3in, Smajlovic combines physical strength with composure on the ball, qualities that have attracted interest from clubs across Europe.
His impressive performances since joining Sandefjord from Sandviken last year have not gone unnoticed. In just over a season, he has become a regular starter, making 26 league appearances and earning a reputation as a defender with enormous potential.
Sandefjord are fully aware of the value of their young star and are believed to be holding out for a significantly higher transfer fee than Celtic’s initial proposal. Rather than walking away from negotiations, however, reports suggest the Scottish champions are ready to test the Norwegian club’s resolve with an improved offer.
According to Football Insider, Celtic remain determined to complete the deal despite increasing competition from elsewhere. Greek giants Olympiacos, French side Toulouse and newly promoted Premier League club Hull City have all been credited with interest in the towering defender.
That means Celtic could face a genuine race against time if they want to secure Smajlovic’s signature before the new season gets underway.
While Cameron Carter-Vickers remains the cornerstone of Celtic’s defence, questions remain about the depth behind him. Auston Trusty, Liam Scales and Dane Murray all provide options, but another experienced centre-back could prove vital given the number of matches Celtic expect to play across multiple competitions.
Champions League football places huge demands on any squad, and O’Neill is believed to be keen on adding another reliable defender capable of competing immediately for a starting place.
Supporters have become increasingly anxious over the club’s inactivity in the transfer market. Despite promises of a more efficient recruitment strategy, Celtic are still waiting to announce their first signing of the summer.
The uncertainty surrounding several senior players has only added to the frustration. Kelechi Iheanacho and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain were absent when players returned for pre-season after their contracts expired, while the club has yet to publicly clarify their futures.
Off the pitch, the summer has hardly been straightforward either. Negotiations over Martin O’Neill’s long-term future took longer than many expected, and discussions surrounding his backroom staff also dragged on before agreements were finally reached.
Many supporters had hoped those issues being resolved would allow the club to move quickly in the transfer market. Instead, the silence has led to growing concern that rivals could strengthen while Celtic remain on the sidelines.
A successful move for Smajlovic would certainly help change that narrative.
At just 22 years old, the Swedish-born defender appears to fit the recruitment profile Celtic have increasingly targeted in recent years—young, talented players with significant resale value who are also capable of making an immediate impact.
His combination of height, athleticism and composure has made him one of the most sought-after defenders in Norway, and many scouts believe he has the attributes to develop into a top-level European centre-back.
For Celtic, landing a player of his profile would not only strengthen the squad for next season but also represent an investment in the club’s future.
Whether an improved bid will be enough remains to be seen. Sandefjord are under no immediate pressure to sell, while rival clubs could yet enter the race with offers of their own.
However, the latest reports suggest Celtic have no intention of giving up after their first setback. Instead, they appear ready to return to the negotiating table in the hope of finally securing the commanding defender that Martin O’Neill is believed to want.
After such a quiet start to the summer, Celtic fans will be hoping this is the breakthrough that finally kickstarts what promises to be a crucial transfer window.