Celtic join Europe's over-achievers in race for sought-after 'player to watch' as Hoops summer plans foreseen
A Scandinavian star has caught the eye of the Hoops
Celtic have already started looking ahead to the summer transfer window as they reportedly have shown interest in Sandefjord centre back Zinedin Smajlovic.
The 22-year old has attracted attention from all over Europe for his performances in the Eliteserien including from Celtic and Toulouse. Closer to home, this season’s Champions League surprise package Bodo Glimt are also monitoring his progress. The Norwegian champions are well-known for their data-driven scouting system, which helped them reach the round of 16 in Europe’s most prestigious competition this season.
Celtic have also recently been linked with 22-year old Cracovia centre back, Oscar Wojcik, indicating that the heart of the defence is an area they’re looking to strengthen. As the Hoops currently sit two points behind league leaders Hearts and have a Scottish Cup final to prepare for, there is still plenty to play for this season, however clearly they’re also thinking ahead to the 2026/27 campaign.
Celtic join race for Smajlovic
According to prominent transfer journalist Rudy Galetti Celtic have shown ‘concrete’ interest in the Swedish defender, who was part of the last year’s Eliteserien Team of the Season, scoring twice and and registering two assists during the campaign. As the 2026 Norwegian top flight gets underway, Smajlovic has started every game so far Sandefjord.
Regarding the defender, Galetti wrote: “Toulouse FC and Celtic FC have shown concrete interest, while Bodø/Glimt have been monitoring him for some time. Although his contract runs until December 2028, Sandefjord could consider offers this summer if the right opportunity arrives. With strong performances and growing attention from across Europe, Smajlovic is clearly a player to watch in the upcoming transfer window.”
Why are so many teams after Smaljovic?
The young, towering defender has been praised for his composure on the ball and ability to play out from the back, as well as his physical advantages. At 6’ 2”, his aerial ability can be an asset in both boxes. Earlier in his career, Smajlovic had a stint in the Serie A with Lecce but wasn’t able to break into the first team. He then moved back to his native Sweden with Sandvikens IF before making his Norway move.
Celtic have had a plethora of Swedish defenders over the years of varying ability. Johan Mjallby, Daniel Majstorovic, Mikael Lustig and Gustaf Lagerbielke have all worn the bright yellow of Sweden and the green and white Hoops. The latter will be representing his country in the summer at the World Cup if he stays fit. At the other end of the pitch, club legend Henrik Larsson will obviously spring to mind as a Swedish Celtic hero. Hoops output machine Benjamin Nygren is the only current Swede in the squad.
The lack of depth in defence has been an area of concern for Celtic as American mainstay Cameron Carter-Vickers has been out injured for the majority of this season. In turn, Auston Trusty and Liam Scales have often been deployed at the back, alongside Brentford loanee Benjamin Arthur, who will return to his parent club at the end of the season. Loanees Stephen Welsh and Maik Nawrocki are both enjoying successful spells at Motherwell and Hannover 96 respectively and could go back to being in selection contention when they return.
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