Celtic’s transfer talks intensify for Horkas deal, or do they? It depends on which set of transfer rumours you believe…
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.
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.
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.
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.
Just an Ordinary Bhoy
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1 Comment
The keeper position was always going to be one of the many decisions MoN was facing during this summer period?
Don’t see Horkas as having any interest in joining ourselves whatsoever, if there’s no guarantee of claiming the first choice keeper position imo?
Even if such a guarantee was granted, then sinisalo as a Finnish international, would potentially want to reconsider his career with ourselves, as a result also?
So potentially no better off, regarding a no2 keeper position, especially as I wouldn’t regard Doohan as better than a 3rd choice within the bigger picture imo?
Wouldn’t be overly concerned about Doohan starting the season as a no2 choice keeper, within a 20man SPFL match day squad?
But wouldn’t feel comfortable beyond a handful of matches in such a situation either?
So do believe that it will be addressed before the window officially shuts?
Have classed the partnership between keeper and CBs has to be possibly our most solid, especially for a SPFL title campaign.
Sinisalo would still be my own preferred choice, especially with the growing relationship of the CCV and Murray relationship in operation during pre season.
Sinisalo is no stranger to scales and Trusty either as a combination?
So by far, way ahead of any other keeper in the position in that regards currently?
Getting a bit more stability within our defensive set up, for next season, should be far more beneficial, especially with the amount of injuries suffered within our defensive set up last season?
Still work on the theory of defences will win you titles, over the marathon of a league campaign?
The attack will take the glory, in deciding by just how much?
A theory that’s worked for ourselves, fairly decently in winning SPFL titles, and don’t see that changing to much for next season either?
Sinisalo to retain the no1 Jersey, would be my choice anyway, and think deserves the opportunity available imo?
Remain open to the no2 keeper role, but hopefully isn’t required to be playing to much either, as much prefer the stability factor in existence for ourselves next season, especially as I wouldn’t be questioning the quality factor to much at this stage?