With just over a week until the Scottish Premiership returns, Celtic have welcomed just one fresh face in the form of Camilo Duran. Something has to change, and quickly.
The Bhoys were forced to wait until the final day and a late goal from Daizen Maeda to retain their title last time out. Next season, they may not be so fortunate.
Parkhead chiefs have already faced protest from onwatching fans and those reactions have forced them back into the market, where they’re looking to sign Dinko Horkas.
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Who is Dinko Horkas? |
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Current cub |
Las Palmas |
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Position |
GK |
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Age |
27 |
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How advanced is Celtic’s interest? |
The Bhoys have already made an approach to sign Horkas, who wants to leave Las Palmas this summer. As things stand, however, the two clubs are far apart in terms of valuation, with the Spanish club setting a €10m (£9m) – double what Celtic believe the goalkeeper is worth. |
At this stage of the summer, Celtic cannot afford to get stuck in a transfer saga. If they want to sign Horkas, then they should not hesitate to splash the cash.
After losing Daizen Maeda to Ipswich Town in a deal worth £10m, the Scottish giants should have the budget to welcome some much-needed incomings and a vital replacement for the retired Kasper Schmeichel.
Club president fuming with Celtic approach
As reported by La Provincia in Spain and relayed by Sport Witness, Celtic have launched an approach to sign Horkas from Las Palmas this summer, with the goalkeeper pressuring his club to complete a move away.
It’s not a simple deal, though. Celtic believe they can land a deal for just €5m (£4m), but Las Palmas are remaining firm on their stance that he is worth €10m (£9m) – creating quite the gap in valuation.
Las Palmas’ president Miguel Ángel Ramírez has also been left fuming by approaches directly to Horkas and his representatives before attempting negotiations with the Spanish club.
“We know there are interested clubs. But they’ve started on the wrong foot because they are negotiating with him without negotiating with us.” – Ramirez
That only complicates things even further for the Bhoys, who are running out of time to secure reinforcements before yet another title defence gets underway.
Celtic looking to finalise Kasper Hogh deal
Another player that Celtic are looking to sign is Kasper Hogh. The Scottish champions are reportedly looking to finalise their deal for the Bodo/Glimt forward after having a bid accepted worth around £11m.
The Dane looks likely to become a direct replacement for Maeda and will be an excellent addition if the Hoops get their deal over the line.
After losing such an important player in Maeda, welcoming a striker who starred in the Champions League last season would be the statement that Celtic so desperately need to make.
