As an alternative to Kelleher, Trabzonspor goalkeeper Ugurcan Cakir is being considered by Celtic, especially if Kelleher decides to stay at Liverpool or move elsewhere. Cakir, who has earned 26 caps for Turkey, is seen as a potential option for bolstering the squad.
Additionally, Celtic has been linked with Rapid Vienna center-back Leopold Querfeld for a summer transfer. Querfeld is viewed as an exciting young prospect, along with his midfield teammate Matthias Seidl.
According to reports from 1908.nl via Sport Witness, Celtic is interested in acquiring FC Twente left-back Gijs Smal during the summer transfer window. Smal, aged 26, is set to become a free agent at the end of the season, making him an attractive prospect. It appears unlikely that he will extend his contract with his current club. While Rangers are also mentioned as potential suitors for Smal, it’s noted that Celtic’s rivals would need to sell either Borna Barisic or Ridvan Yilmaz before considering a move for him.
Celtic are believed to have already told Smal “what they can offer”, suggesting that talks have already taken place with him, and it looks like a signing that would tick plenty of boxes.
The 26-year-old is at a brilliant age to come in and make an immediate impression at Parkhead, having picked up so much experience in his career, but also still having plenty of years ahead of him at a high level.
| Gijs Smal vs. Greg Taylor in the league this season | Smal | Taylor |
|---|---|---|
| Appearances | 16 | 26 |
| Goal contributions | 1 | 7 |
| Tackles per game | 1.3 | 1.6 |
| Clearances per game | 1.3 | 0.9 |
| Key passes per game | 1.1 | 1.8 |
| Pass completion rate | 79.7% | 82.5% |
This season, Smal has featured in 16 Eredivisie matches for Twente, in addition to participating in two games in the UEFA Europa Conference League. Notably, he has earned the nickname “Smaldini” in his homeland, which speaks to the comparisons drawn between him and the legendary Italian icon.
If Smal joins Celtic, he could offer robust competition for the left-back position alongside Greg Taylor. This would provide manager Brendan Rodgers with two excellent options in that position, assuming Taylor remains at the club beyond the expiration of his contract in the summer of 2025.
GET MORE NEWS HERE