Celtic transfer state of play: Updates drop on three signings

Updated: 7 Aug 2026 14:28 BST | 4 min read

Martin O'Neill, Celtic, 2025/26 — © IMAGO

Tom Weber | Writer

Multilingual sports writer who specialises in European football and American soccer.

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Celtic are said to be rapidly closing in on a deal for a key target, but two other transfers look increasingly difficult to realise.

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The new Scottish Premiership season has kicked off, but the Hoops are still in the process of reshaping their squad. Kasper Hogh and Camilo Duran have already joined the club to provide better attacking options, but beyond that, Celtic have struggled to complete their business.

The Parkhead club are chasing a deal for Las Palmas goalkeeper Dinko Horkas as they seek to replace the now-retired Kasper Schmeichel, while they have to contend with interest in key players such as Arne Engels, who has reportedly agreed terms with West Ham.

One potential replacement for the Belgian could be Benjamin Tahirovic. The Bosnia and Herzegovina international has been linked with Celtic recently, and Brondby coach Thomas Norgaard recently admitted that he is in the process of leaving the club.

However, the latest coming out of Denmark is that the midfielder won't be heading to Glasgow. Reports in Bosnia have suggested that there is an agreement between Celtic and Tahirovic, but according to reliable journalist Farzam Abolhosseini, this couldn't be further from the truth.

Celtic latest on Tahirovic, Ghedjemis and Hassan

Speaking to Tipsbladet, Abolhosseini said: "That story about Tahirović heading to Celtic, there’s simply nothing to it. Nothing. Isn’t that crazy? It’s been going on for a long time.

"And I have to admit that when I saw in the Scottish media the day before yesterday that it was now a done deal - they had, admittedly, cited Bosnian media - I thought again that I should look into it. I reached out to various sources and got the same answer again ‘there’s nothing to it, stop now.’"

Tahirovic isn't the only player seemingly slipping away from Celtic. Long-standing target Fares Ghedjemis also looks increasingly difficult to sign, with Rangers and now AS Monaco rivalling the Hoops for his arrival.

L'Equipe understands that Monaco are accelerating their efforts for the 23-year-old. Celtic, who already wanted him in January, and Rangers have seen bids rejected by Frosinone in recent days.

Monaco have likewise had a bid rebuffed, but the Principality club are already planning their second offer. The French-born Algeria international is understood to be keen to return to the country of his birth.

In positive news for Celtic, it seems that a deal for Real Oviedo winger Haissem Hassan is edging closer. TEAMtalk claims that significant progress is being made. In fact, a deal could be agreed as early as today, Friday.

Celtic have offered a financial package of around €10 million for the Egypt star, who is said to be keen on a Parkhead move. Although this saga has been dragging on for weeks, the Scottish champions are now confident of an imminent breakthrough.