Celtic Keeping Tabs On This Dundee Custodian: Why They Must Bring Him To Parkhead | OneFootball

If a recent transfer update from Pete O’Rourke is believed to be true, Celtic are keeping close tabs on Jon McCracken ahead of a potential summer move. But they are not alone in the hunt, with Sheffield Wednesday, Blackburn Rovers and Queens Park Rangers also keen on having the Dundee custodian, who is available on a Bosman.

The 25-year-old former Scotland youth international progressed through Hamilton Academical’s youth setup before plying his trade at Norwich City south of the border. There, he appeared for the Canaries across various academy ranks and was loaned out to Bohemian, Stevenage, Dundee and Accrington Stanley, respectively, for first-team experience.

McCracken returned to Dundee on loan in February 2024, and the Scottish side secured his services permanently later that year, after Norwich released him without any senior minutes during his time in Norfolk. While he was rotated with Trevor Carson between the sticks throughout the 2024-25 campaign, the appointment of Steven Pressley last summer as the new Dee boss proved to be key to his emergence as the undisputed ‘number 1’.

DUNDEE, SCOTLAND – APRIL 17: Jon McCracken of Dundee is put under pressure by Kemar Roofe of Rangers during the Cinch Scottish Premiership match between Dundee FC and Rangers FC at Dens Park Stadium on April 17, 2024 in Dundee, Scotland. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images) (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

The Scotsman has started all their league games so far this season, yet he could leave again as a free agent to make the next career step amid growing interest from the Hoops. Veteran Kasper Schmeichel has apparently played his last game in the wake of a shoulder surgery, and the Dane’s injury has been a blessing in disguise for Viljami Sinislao, who has been waiting patiently as Schmeichel’s understudy.

Why He Could Be An Asset For Celtic

Although Dundee are heading towards a mid-table finish, McCracken has impressed with 70.9% save percentage and 3.88 saves per 90 minutes. These numbers are superior to both Schmeichel and Sinisalo. However, he only secured five clean sheets in the Premiership, primarily due to the Dark Blues’ defensive frailty. The Scot would flourish further with a stronger backline, and a move to Parkhead should boost his chances for a senior international debut, having been called up in September 2024 after Robby McCrorie’s injury.