Celtic are reportedly pursuing a move for Las Palmas goalkeeper Dinko Horkas as the club seeks a long-term replacement for the retired Kasper Schmeichel. The 27-year-old Croatian shot-stopper, who impressed in Spain's Segunda División last season despite Las Palmas failing to secure promotion, is valued at around £6 million by his current club.
Competition for Horkas heats up
Spanish reports indicate that Celtic face competition from Olympiacos and Sevilla for Horkas, who has two years remaining on his contract. Celtic scouts are said to have monitored the former Dinamo Zagreb star during the 2025-26 campaign. However, Las Palmas president Miguel Angel Ramírez has expressed frustration over what he perceives as illegal tapping-up of the player.
Ramírez stated: "We haven't received any official offers from Dinko, although we know there are interested clubs. But those clubs have got off to a bad start with us, because they're negotiating with him without negotiating with us. We want to keep him at the club. We have managed to get Jose Antonio Caro to sign a new contract with us and we want to have two great goalkeepers at the club."
Maeda's record-breaking World Cup
Meanwhile, Celtic forward Daizen Maeda has set a new World Cup record for the most sprints in a single match, recording an astonishing 78 sprints during Japan's last-32 clash against Brazil. Despite Japan taking an early lead, they ultimately lost 2-1, but Maeda's tireless pressing earned widespread acclaim.
Maeda, who helped Celtic secure a league and Scottish Cup Double last season, has hinted at seeking a new challenge. Reflecting on his performance, he said: "To be honest, I wasn't that tired after the Brazil match. I was more tired after the match against the Netherlands. I didn't feel like I was being made to run or anything, I was just sprinting of my own accord. The important thing was to help the team with my pressing."
Celtic's transfer plans
Celtic manager Martin O'Neill is expected to accelerate transfer activity in the coming weeks as the club prepares for the new campaign. The search for a new number one goalkeeper is a priority following Schmeichel's retirement, with Horkas emerging as a key target. However, the club may need to navigate Las Palmas' resistance and secure an official bid to avoid further friction with the Spanish side.
