Celtic have been handed a public boost in the race to sign Dinko Horkas, with Las Palmas president Miguel Ángel Ramírez confirming the player wants to move this summer.
The Bhoys have already spent big recently to welcome Kasper Hogh and, as they look to retain their Scottish crown yet again, will be well aware just how important further reinforcements will be.
Horkas has been on their radar since the early stages of the transfer window. Parkhead chiefs have had to play a waiting game. The shot-stopper is still high on Celtic’s list of candidates to replace the retired Kasper Schmeichel, however.
|
25/26 league stats |
Kasper Schmeichel |
Dinko Horkas |
|---|---|---|
|
Minutes |
2,340 |
3,638 |
|
Clean sheets |
12 |
13 |
|
Saves per 90 |
2.31 |
2.5 |
|
Errors leading to goal |
1 |
2 |
|
Save percentage |
69.8% |
72.1% |
Although it’s a concern that Horkas made two errors leading to goal last season, his save percentage is that of a solid goalkeeper. The Las Palmas man also made more saves per 90 than Schmeichel and kept one more clean sheet.
At 27 years old, the Croatian has the chance to become the Bhoys’ new No.1 for years to come, ending their troubles between the sticks once and for all. Alas, with less than a month until the window slams shut, things will have to move quickly.
Las Palmas president confirms Horkas sale stance
Speaking to Spanish outlet Tinta Amarilla, Las Palmas president Miguel Ángel Ramírez has publicly confirmed Horkas’ desire to leave and that Celtic have submitted an offer.
“Horkas is a player for Las Palmas who has asked the club to let him leave. The club won’t let him go because the only offer we have [from Celtic] isn’t attractive.”
The big problem facing Celtic is that their offer has not been deemed good enough, both in size and structure. Ramírez confirmed that Las Palmas’ asking price is £4.3m, which is currently roughly £900,000 beyond the Bhoys’ £3.4m offer.
The club president said: “He has a contract with Las Palmas and will remain if the offer he has doesn’t meet Las Palmas’ demand. We’re talking about €5m. They’re offering us €4m to be paid over 4 years. We’re asking for €5m and 50% of any future transfer fee.”
The ball is now in Celtic’s court. Whether they raise their offer and accept Las Palmas’ 50% sell-on clause remains to be seen, though. Only time will tell whether Horkas also gets his wish and leaves the Spanish club.
Celtic confident of signing Fares Ghedjemis
It’s not just Horkas who’s been on Celtic’s radar for some time. Fares Ghedjemis is also a long-term target and one that could finally be heading to Scotland this summer.
Reports have gone as far as to claim that Celtic are now confident that they’ll sign Ghedjemis, but other rumours have indicated that Rangers’ presence could still prove to be a problem.
The two Old Firm rivals are set to do battle until the deadline as they look to lure the talented Frosinone winger to Scottish football.
