Celtic Eye 21-Year-Old World Cup Scorer After Summer Surge: Right Choice? | OneFootball

According to Infotbal, Celtic have shown an interest in a 21-year-old attacking midfielder at Slovan Liberec, Ermin Mahmić, after learning the Czech side’s conditions for a potential deal. The report says Celtic have other targets in play, so this does not represent a completed negotiation or an accepted bid.

Celtic transfer report puts 21-year-old on radar

His form has given clubs plenty to notice. After joining Liberec from SV Lafnitz in June 2025, he produced seven goals and three assists in 28 league appearances, logging 1,553 minutes across the campaign. Slovan’s own figures confirm that output. His rise continued internationally after FIFA cleared his switch to Bosnia and Herzegovina, and he made the World Cup squad before scoring twice during the tournament. Fox Sports records 67 World Cup minutes and two goals.

Celtic’s interest, then, has a footballing basis, although the reported terms remain the key issue. Slovan signed him on a four-year contract, while current reports place their asking price above the £6 million figure cited in the supplied report.

T4O take: Celtic have a tactical question to answer

SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA – JULY 01: Ermin Mahmic #26 of Bosnia and Herzegovina reacts to Folarin Balogun #20 of the United States receiving a red card during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 match between USA and Bosnia and Herzegovina at San Francisco Bay Area Stadium on July 01, 2026 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)

This is where I’d hesitate. Martin O’Neill’s Celtic have built around a pragmatic, physical approach, and that creates a poor fit for a lightweight No.10 who wants freedom between the lines. Mahmić’s best work comes in advanced areas, where he can drift into pockets, receive on the turn and make something happen quickly.

His finishing deserves credit. Seven league goals, then two World Cup goals from 67 minutes, show efficiency. Yet Celtic need midfielders who can survive contact, cover ground and contribute consistently without the ball. His defensive numbers offer little evidence that he provides that profile.

Celtic should spend elsewhere

Mika Baur and Haissem Hassan give O’Neill more technical quality, but another £6 million attacking creator could leave the midfield balance awkward. Celtic need an assertive box-to-box player or a dominant holding midfielder who can set the physical tempo, protect the back four and still move possession forward.

If Reo Hatate or other midfield options leave, the answer should address the structural gap rather than add another talented attacker. Mahmić can score, create and change matches from the bench, as Bosnia discovered. However, paying a premium for a player whose natural role doesn’t sit comfortably inside O’Neill’s preferred setup feels unnecessary. Salzburg or Frankfurt can take the gamble; Celtic should put that money into a midfielder built for the job.