Celtic Eye Replacement For Their Veteran: Do They Need A Top Tier Replacement In That Spot?

Celtic Eye Replacement For Their Veteran: Do They Need A Top Tier Replacement In That Spot?

Celtic are entering the business end of the 2025–26 Scottish Premiership campaign three points adrift of league leaders Hearts. The reigning champions are now staring down the very real possibility of losing their crown for the first time in five seasons. Everything seems to be building toward a massive final-day showdown at Parkhead on 16 May, when Hearts, chasing their first title since 1960, travel to Glasgow for what could be a historic finish.

Celtic are used to dominating the Premiership, but they are now scrapped for results as the post-split fixtures loom. The pressure feels more intense this time around. Doubts over squad depth and recruitment have dogged the Hoops all year, and one specific position has become the lightning rod for a brewing summer overhaul.

Celtic set to replace Schmeichel as goalkeeping concerns grow

According to Pete O’Rourke at Football Insider, Celtic are expected to hunt for a new number one as soon as the summer transfer window opens, with the board already ramping up the search. Kasper Schmeichel, now 39, has struggled through a difficult season and has sat out the last five league matches with a shoulder injury that puts his future at the club in serious doubt.

O’Rourke noted that Celtic are definitely looking to strengthen the goalkeeping department this summer, adding that the club have a shortlist of targets and knows they need to move fast. With his contract winding down and no talks of an extension, the situation is becoming urgent.

“Celtic are probably going to need to strengthen that goalkeeping department with Kasper Schmeichel out long-term.

“His future is still very much up in the air with his contract running down.

“Sinisalo’s done okay since he’s come into the team as well, but Celtic will be looking to definitely strengthen that goalkeeping department when the summer window opens.

“There are a few options they’ve been looking at to strengthen in that position, and they know they will have to step up their efforts.”

While Viljami Sinisalo has done a decent job filling in, the club clearly see him as a backup rather than the long-term solution. The data highlights the problem: in 26 league games this season, Schmeichel picked up just 12 clean sheets and conceded a goal a game on average. His save percentage of 71.11%, stopping 64 of 90 shots, is simply below the level Celtic need to stay on top in Scotland and hold their own in Europe. (Stats via Footy Stats)

Do Celtic actually need a top-tier goalkeeper to reclaim their title?

GLASGOW, SCOTLAND – FEBRUARY 19: Celtic Goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel makes a save during the UEFA Europa League 2025/26 Knockout Play-off First Leg match between Celtic FC and VfB Stuttgart at Celtic Park on February 19, 2026 in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by WM Sport Media/Getty Images)

The short answer is yes, and everyone at the club are aware of it. A 71% save rate isn’t going to win trophies, especially when you’re chasing Hearts with only a handful of games left. Putting the stats aside, the timing of Schmeichel’s injury, hitting right when Celtic needed a steady hand, showed a lack of planning that has left the squad looking vulnerable.

This summer, a new keeper can’t just be an afterthought or a wait-and-see signing. Celtic need a presence in the box, someone who commands the area and has the top-level experience to handle the pressure. With European football back on the calendar next season, having a reliable pair of hands between the posts is a must. The Schmeichel era, despite the high hopes that came with the name, looks to be ending. Celtic have to move on quickly and get this next appointment right.