The polar opposite transfer predictions on Dinko Horkas moving to Celtic | OneFootball

Celtic’s transfer talks intensify for Horkas deal, or do they? It depends on which set of transfer rumours you believe…

Celtic goalkeeper Viljami Sinisalo in action against AC Milan during Celtic v AC Milan in a pre-season friendly at Celtic Park on July 25, 2026. (Photo by WM Sport Media/Getty Images)

Despite Viljami Sinisalo playing the entire 90 minutes against AC Milan in yesterday’s 2-2 pre-season clash at Celtic Park, and playing well, the club are still actively looking for a new number one to occupy the gloves.

One name who has been mentioned more than once or twice is Croatian shot stopper Dinko Horkas of Las Palmas, although talk has cooled a little these past few days, but some new reports have come to light, with the club said to be once more interested in the Croatian.

Conflicting reports on Celtic’s interest

Over the past few days there has been multiple reports saying Celtic are pursuing Horkas, one saying that TWO Celtic bids have been submitted, another saying talks are ongoing but there’s been ZERO bids while another reckons that the goalkeeper has NEVER been on Celtic’s radar.

Dinko Horkas of UD Las Palmas makes a save during the warm up prior to the LaLiga match between Athletic Club and UD Las Palmas at Estadio de San Mames on April 23, 2025 in Bilbao, Spain. (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)

Celtic in“intensified talks” or perhaps not

That interest is said to have intensified, as Martin O’Neill looks to add to his squad with the season opener just a week away. That’s according to Spanish outlet La Provincia, Celtic have “intensified talks” with Las Palmas for Croatian goalkeeper Dinko Horkas. They have been alerted to interest from the Saudi Pro League and thus are stepping up their interest.

They claim that  the five in a row reigning Scottish Champions are trying to finalise a deal for Horkas and have held negotiations with the Spanish outfit in Marbella. The 27-year-old has two years left on his contract but is tipped to move on after enjoying an impressive season.

Inaki Williams of Athletic Club scores his team’s first goal past Dinko Horkas of UD Las Palmas during the LaLiga match between Athletic Club and UD Las Palmas at Estadio de San Mames on April 23, 2025 in Bilbao, Spain. (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)

Horkas has decent record but no more than decent

Horkas kept 14 clean sheets in 41 La Liga 2 games last season, helping Las Palmas to a fifth-placed finish. His club aren’t under pressure to sell the Croatian and are aware that he is one of their most important assets.

That said, interest in Horkas has been intensifying, and Celtic weren’t the only European club eyeing him. Olympiacos, Torino and Levante had also been linked, although none of those clubs advanced as the Scots have. Then there’s another report linking a different handful of clubs including Sevilla with the keeper.

Horkas is an experienced goalkeeper

Horkas is an experienced shot-stopper who possesses a six-foot-two frame and could be the man to replace Kasper Schmeichel in the Celtic goals IF this Spanish report is to be believed and is proven by events over the next week or two to be accurate.

Celtic player Camilo Duran poses for pictures at Celtic Park, Glasgow on Thursday 23rd July 2026. Photo Andy Buchanan Shutterstock

Should Horkas make the move to Glasgow, he’ll join Camilo Duran, and the soon to be signed Kasper Hogh in the Martin O’Neill overhaul with hopefully another few to come.

Happy enough with Sinisalo?

Meanwhile most Celtic Supporters will be happy enough with Viljami Sinisalo getting his opportunity to establish himself as the long-term Celtic number one.

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