Celtic’s hopes of signing Scott McKenna appear to have suffered a major setback after the defender publicly addressed the growing speculation surrounding his future — and his comments will not be what Hoops supporters wanted to hear.
The Scotland international had been heavily linked with a move to Parkhead in recent weeks, with reports claiming Celtic scouts had watched him multiple times during his impressive campaign with Dinamo Zagreb. Brendan Rodgers was believed to be keen on strengthening his defence ahead of next season, and McKenna’s experience, leadership and composure made him an attractive option.
However, despite the rumours intensifying, the former Aberdeen centre-back has now seemingly shut the door on a potential move to Glasgow.
McKenna Speaks Out on Celtic Rumours
Speaking after Dinamo Zagreb sealed another league title, McKenna made it crystal clear where his focus currently lies.
“I have a four-year contract, so I’m here for a few more years.”
The statement immediately poured cold water on suggestions that a summer move to Celtic was close, with many supporters now accepting that the Hoops may need to turn their attention elsewhere in the transfer market.
McKenna also revealed that his priority throughout the season had been helping Dinamo Zagreb secure silverware rather than entertaining transfer speculation.
“I knew I was going to the World Cup, but my focus was completely on Dinamo. Now we’ve won the double, and I can dedicate myself to Scotland and going to the World Cup.
“It’s been a long season, and it hasn’t always been easy, but we’ve stuck together and are enjoying ourselves as a team now. I’m happy for everyone — the fans, the coaches and everyone at the club. It’s a crazy feeling.”
Massive Blow for Brendan Rodgers
The Croatian giants enjoyed a dominant domestic campaign, finishing comfortably at the top of the table and securing another title triumph. McKenna played a major role in their success and has clearly become an important figure at the club since making the move abroad.
His latest comments strongly suggest he feels settled in Croatia and is not actively looking for an exit despite interest from Celtic.
That will come as a significant blow for Brendan Rodgers and the Celtic recruitment team.
Reports earlier this month claimed Dinamo Zagreb were demanding a fee close to £10 million for the defender — a figure that already raised doubts among sections of the Celtic support.
While some fans questioned whether the club should spend that amount on a centre-back, many still believed McKenna would have been an excellent addition to the squad.
The 29-year-old brings international experience, physicality, aerial dominance and leadership qualities that could have strengthened Celtic’s backline immediately.
Celtic Must Now Look Elsewhere
Defence remains one of the key areas Rodgers is expected to address this summer. Cameron Carter-Vickers is set to return fully fit after injury problems, but uncertainty still surrounds other defensive options within the squad.
Liam Scales continues to divide opinion among supporters despite recently signing a new contract extension, while Auston Trusty’s future remains unclear amid reported interest from Serie A clubs.
If Trusty were to leave after the World Cup, Celtic would almost certainly need another high-level central defender to come in before the new season begins.
For now, though, it appears McKenna will not be that player.
His comments may not have been a direct rejection of Celtic, but they strongly suggest he sees his immediate future at Dinamo Zagreb rather than Parkhead.
Unless something dramatic changes in the coming weeks, the Hoops may have no choice but to move on and pursue alternative targets.
The summer transfer window is only beginning, and Celtic are expected to remain busy behind the scenes as Rodgers looks to build a squad capable of dominating domestically once again while also making progress in Europe.
But for many supporters, McKenna looked like the perfect fit — experienced, proven and Scottish.
Now, Celtic fans are left disappointed as one of their most talked-about defensive targets appears to have slipped away.