Martin O’Neill Gives Celtic Transfer Update with Key ‘Threat’ Outlined

Martin O’Neill has confirmed Celtic are looking to bring in another goalkeeper this summer, making it clear he wants genuine competition for Viljami Sinisalo ahead of the new season.

O’Neill said there has been “progress” behind the scenes in the transfer market, but Camilo Duran remains the club’s only new arrival of the window so far.

Duran made an immediate impression on Tuesday night, coming off the bench to score five minutes into his debut against Sporting CP in the Algarve. It was one of the few bright moments in the Hoops’ defeat as attention continues to turn towards further additions.

O’Neill also confirmed after the match that Maik Nawrocki is not in his immediate plans, leaving the defender free to pursue regular football elsewhere if the right opportunity arises.

The 74-year-old revealed last week that signing another goalkeeper was one of the club’s priorities, and he has now expanded on exactly what Celtic are looking for.

Despite Viljami Sinisalo producing a string of impressive saves against Sporting CP and appearing set to begin the campaign as first choice after taking the number one shirt, O’Neill believes more competition is essential.

With Ross Doohan currently the only other senior goalkeeper at the club, it is an area Celtic are said to be working on before the Scottish Premiership season gets underway.

O’Neill said (RecordSport): “That’s definitely a thought. I don’t want an older goalkeeper who thinks, ‘Well, I’m just going to be number two.’

“I want somebody to be threatening. It has to be. Even if it wasn’t an older goalkeeper, there’s no reason why we shouldn’t be thinking of somebody younger.”

One name linked with the club is Manchester United goalkeeper Radek Vitek. The 22-year-old enjoyed an impressive loan spell at Bristol City last season, making 41 Championship appearances and keeping 12 clean sheets.

His performances saw him sweep the club’s end-of-season awards, collecting Player of the Year, Young Player of the Year and Players’ Player of the Year.

Dinko Horkas of Las Palmas has also been mentioned as a potential target, although reports suggest he is closing in on a move elsewhere.

O’Neill’s comments signal Celtic’s intentions. The club are apparently looking for a goalkeeper capable of pushing Sinisalo rather than simply making up the numbers.

No formal bid has emerged publicly for any target, but with the Premiership campaign now less than three weeks away, it is a position supporters will be watching closely over the remainder of the transfer window.