Celtic Plot Summer Move For This 22 Year Old Centre Half: Why The Hoops Must Get The Deal Done

GLASGOW, SCOTLAND – APRIL 11: Liam Scales of Celtic challenges for a header during the William Hill Premiership between Celtic and St. Mirren at Celtic Park on April 11, 2026 in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by WM Sport Media/Getty Images)

Why Celtic Must Snap Him Up

Smajlovic made an immediate impact for the Whalers, who finished fifth in the 2025 standings. Despite being under contract till December 2028, an exit can’t be ruled out, with the player himself open to a fresh challenge if the right offer arrives. He has started all their league games so far this campaign, and his ball-playing skills, physical and aerial supremacy, goal-scoring ability and the offensive threat during attacking set-pieces tick the boxes of a modern-day centre-half.

Why Smajlovic Would Flourish At Parkhead With Assured Minutes

Celtic are likely to undergo a transition in the summer, both in terms of appointing a new manager and rebuilding the squad to overcome the shambles of the past couple of windows. While the search is on for Martin O’Neill’s long-term successor, the board must not leave the transfer business late, as they have done this season.

Bolstering the deep defence should remain on their agenda as part of the squad overhaul, with Cameron Carter-Vickers, Auston Trusty and Liam Scales being the only stable options in the heart of the backline. The future of both Dane Murray and Stephen Welsh is uncertain due to limited involvement in recent years. Benjamin Arthur, on loan from Brentford, is unlikely to accept a sporadic status beyond this month. Carter-Vickers needs months to regain full fitness after rupturing his Achilles tendon back in late October, and the Swedish prodigy holds all the traits to cement a starting spot if a transfer takes place in due time.