Celtic continue to work behind the scenes in the summer transfer window, with Croatian goalkeeper Dinko Horkas emerging as the club’s leading target to replace retired veteran Kasper Schmeichel. While the Scottish Premiership champions finally kick-started their transfer business by signing Colombian striker Camilo Duran earlier this month, supporters are still waiting for further arrivals as preparations for the 2026/27 campaign gather pace.
With the new Scottish Premiership season drawing ever closer, manager Martin O’Neill is eager to strengthen several key positions. Although he has repeatedly urged patience and defended the club’s recruitment strategy, many Celtic supporters have grown increasingly frustrated by the slow progress in the transfer market. The pressure is now mounting on the club’s hierarchy to deliver more quality additions before competitive football begins.
One of the biggest priorities remains the goalkeeper position following Kasper Schmeichel’s retirement. While Viljami Sinisalo impressed whenever he was called upon during Schmeichel’s injury absences last season, it appears O’Neill wants a proven first-choice goalkeeper capable of leading the defence in both domestic competitions and the UEFA Champions League.
Dinko Horkas Remains Celtic’s Number One Goalkeeping Target
According to the latest reports from Spain as of July 20, 2026, Las Palmas goalkeeper Dinko Horkas continues to be Celtic’s preferred option. The Croatian shot-stopper enjoyed an excellent campaign in Spain’s Segunda Division, playing a crucial role as Las Palmas reached the promotion play-offs. Although promotion ultimately slipped away, Horkas’ consistent performances significantly enhanced his reputation across Europe.
Several clubs have monitored the 27-year-old this summer, but Celtic reportedly remain the strongest contenders for his signature. Italian side Torino and Greek giants Olympiacos continue to keep tabs on the goalkeeper, while Hull City’s previous interest appears to have cooled after the English club completed other transfer business following the sale of Ivor Pandur to Rangers.
| Player | Club | Position | Estimated Fee | Current Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dinko Horkas | Las Palmas | Goalkeeper | £4m – £6m | Celtic’s priority target |
| Camilo Duran | Celtic | Striker | Signed | Completed earlier this summer |
| Viljami Sinisalo | Celtic | Goalkeeper | Current squad | Backup option |
No Official Bid Yet Despite Strong Interest
Despite growing speculation linking Horkas with Celtic Park, reports from the Canary Islands indicate that Las Palmas have not yet received an official offer from the Scottish champions. Nevertheless, Celtic are understood to be the club showing the strongest and most concrete interest at this stage of negotiations.
The goalkeeper has now linked up with his teammates for pre-season training, but uncertainty continues to surround his future. Las Palmas are believed to be prepared to consider offers in the region of £4 million to £6 million, particularly after missing out on promotion to La Liga, a disappointment that has increased pressure on the Spanish club to generate funds through player sales.
For Celtic, this could represent an excellent opportunity to secure a goalkeeper entering the prime years of his career. Horkas combines strong shot-stopping ability with composure in possession, qualities that fit the style of football Martin O’Neill is expected to implement throughout the upcoming campaign.
Why Celtic Need to Move Quickly
Although Celtic remain favourites for Horkas at present, delaying a formal offer could prove costly. Transfer windows often change rapidly, and clubs from Italy, Greece and England remain capable of entering negotiations if the Scottish champions hesitate. Acting decisively could prevent a bidding war while also allowing the goalkeeper sufficient time to settle into the squad before the opening fixtures.
The attraction of becoming Celtic’s undisputed number one goalkeeper, together with the opportunity to compete for league titles, domestic cups and UEFA Champions League football, could prove decisive in convincing Horkas to choose Glasgow over alternative destinations.
Supporters will also hope a new goalkeeper arrives quickly enough to develop chemistry with the defensive unit during pre-season. Building communication between the goalkeeper and defenders is essential, particularly with several important matches arriving early in the campaign.
Transfer Window Pressure Continues to Build
Camilo Duran’s arrival gave supporters optimism that Celtic’s transfer business was finally beginning to accelerate, but that optimism has gradually faded as the weeks have passed without additional signings. While Martin O’Neill continues to insist that recruitment is progressing behind the scenes, many fans believe the squad still lacks the reinforcements required to remain competitive both domestically and in Europe.
Replacing a player of Kasper Schmeichel’s experience is never straightforward. The Danish goalkeeper brought leadership, organisation and calmness to Celtic’s defence throughout his time at the club. Finding a reliable successor has therefore become one of the biggest priorities of the summer, making Horkas arguably the most important transfer target currently on Celtic’s shortlist.
If Celtic can complete the deal soon, attention is expected to shift toward strengthening other areas of the squad before the transfer deadline. Midfield and defensive reinforcements have also been linked with the club, but securing a dependable goalkeeper remains the immediate focus.
Latest Celtic Transfer Verdict
As things stand on July 20, 2026, Dinko Horkas remains Celtic’s leading goalkeeping target, but negotiations have not yet progressed to the stage of an official bid. Las Palmas are willing to sell for the right price, the player is aware of Celtic’s interest, and the Scottish champions appear to hold the strongest position among the clubs monitoring him.
The coming days could prove decisive. If Celtic submit an offer that satisfies Las Palmas, Horkas could become Martin O’Neill’s second signing of the summer after Camilo Duran. With the Scottish Premiership season and Champions League qualifiers approaching rapidly, supporters will be hoping the club finally accelerates its transfer activity and delivers the reinforcements needed to challenge on every front.