Ermin Mahmić did not need a full match to make his name at the World Cup, he didn’t even need a full half, with Celtic now eyeing a move for the Bosnia sensation.
Two goals in 66 World Cup minutes turned the Slovan Liberec midfielder from a promising talent in Czech football into one of Bosnia’s breakout players.
His first was a fierce stoppage time strike against Switzerland, scored almost immediately after he entered the game, with Mahmic then coming off the bench against Qatar and striking again, sealing the 3-1 victory which carried Bosnia into the knockout rounds for the first time ever.
That impact came after an impressive first season in the Czech top flight.
|
Ermin Mahmić for Bosnia at the 2026 World Cup |
|||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Opponent |
Stage |
Result |
Role |
Minutes |
Goals |
Assists |
Yellow cards |
|
Canada |
Group B |
1-1 |
Unused substitute |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Switzerland |
Group B |
Lost 4-1 |
Substitute |
1 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
|
Qatar |
Group B |
Won 3-1 |
Substitute |
26 |
1 |
0 |
1 |
|
USA |
Round of 32 |
Lost 2-0 |
Substitute |
39 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Tournament total |
Four matches |
One win, one draw, two defeats |
Three appearances, no starts |
66 |
2 |
0 |
1 |
Mahmic bagged seven goals and three assists across 28 league appearances for Liberec during the 25/26 campaign, having only joined the club from Austrian second division side Lafnitz in 2025.
Before that, he developed within the academies of LASK and Rapid Vienna.
Born in Austria, he represented that country at youth level and also played for Bosnia’s Under-19s. FIFA approved his switch to Bosnia’s team shortly before the World Cup.
National coach Sergej Barbarez views him as capable of operating as either a number eight or number 10. His movement into attacking areas and willingness to run beyond the forwards give him a profile Celtic could use in several roles.
The Hoops have already refreshed their attack by signing Haissem Hassan and Kasper Hogh, while Mika Baur has also arrived to strengthen Martin O’Neill’s midfield.
More changes are expected. Paulo Bernardo has left, Reo Hatate could follow, and West Ham remain interested in Arne Engels.
That uncertainty means Celtic still need midfielders who can contribute immediately without blocking the club’s longer-term plans, and Mahmic ticks both boxes.
He is only 21, but has already played football in Austria and the Czech Republic before making an extraordinary entrance at international level.
Basel and Salzburg were reportedly willing to offer between £3.5 million and £4 million plus a sell-on percentage, but Mahmic rejected those possibilities, with Toulouse also making a reported approach without convincing him.
Celtic may now have moved towards the front of the queue.
Celtic prepared to pay asking price for Ermin Mahmić
Czech outlet inFotbal reports that the Scottish champions have spent recent weeks collecting information about Mahmic, including Liberec’s financial demands.
The report claims Celtic represent the strongest route for the midfielder, and O’Neill’s side would be prepared to meet Liberec’s asking price of around £7 million if they decide to proceed.
No formal offer is reported, while Celtic are still considering other players for the same position.
Liberec owner Ondrej Kania has become involved in discussions as the Czech club looks for the best possible deal. One option would involve accepting a smaller initial payment with a sell-on clause potentially reaching 30 per cent.
The alternative is to wait for Celtic or another major club to pay closer to the full valuation.
That patience carries a risk, but Mahmic’s World Cup changed the calculation.
