“Definitely Looking” – Martin O’Neill Confirms Celtic Transfer Activity in Key Position

Martin O’Neill has made it clear where Celtic still need to strengthen this summer, with the manager confirming the club are actively looking to add to a key position.

Celtic are still waiting to officially announce their first signing of the window, although a deal for striker Camilo Duran appears to be edging closer. The 24-year-old is understood to have pushed for the move despite interest from Brazil, viewing Celtic as the right step in his career.

That is only part of the picture, though.

The squad still requires further additions, while discussions are continuing over the futures of Marcelo Saracchi and Kelechi Iheanacho.

Both players played an important role during the closing weeks of last season as Celtic secured the Premiership title on the final day before following it up by lifting the Scottish Cup a week later.

Saracchi’s situation has shifted in recent weeks. Celtic had two loan offers rejected by Boca Juniors, but the Argentine club have since informed the left-back he is free to leave after falling out of their plans.

Iheanacho is also available after the option to extend his contract expired, making the striker a free agent. The Nigerian has already spoken about wanting to remain in Glasgow and there is still a possibility that happens.

While those talks continue, O’Neill has openly acknowledged another area that Celtic want to address before the transfer window closes.

“We’re definitely looking for another goalkeeper. Whether it be a youngish fellow, same age as Sinisalo, or somebody a bit older, we’re definitely looking at it.

“Because we’ve only got Sinisalo here at this minute and we’ve got Ross [Doohan],” (TCW).

It is the clearest indication yet that Celtic intend to strengthen between the posts.

The club have already been linked with several names.

Las Palmas goalkeeper Dinko Horkas has attracted interest, although CeltsAreHere understands that, as of last week, no formal bid had been submitted.

Hertha Berlin goalkeeper Tjark Ernst has also been mentioned, with the German reported to have a €5 million release clause. He is attracting interest from several clubs across Europe, which could make any deal more complicated.

At this stage there is nothing to suggest either goalkeeper is close to arriving at Celtic Park. Even so, O’Neill’s comments leave little doubt that the recruitment team are actively working on the position.

Viljami Sinisalo has been Celtic’s first-choice goalkeeper since Kasper Schmeichel suffered the injury that ultimately brought his playing career to an end.

The Finland international handled the responsibility well and did little to suggest he should lose the jersey. Bringing in another goalkeeper is not a sign that Celtic have doubts over Sinisalo.

Instead, it points to a squad that needs greater depth and genuine competition in a position where there are currently limited options. If Celtic are to compete across every front again this season, O’Neill clearly believes another goalkeeper is a necessity rather than a luxury.