Scott McKenna Rules Out Celtic Move for World Cup 2026 — Glasgow, 2026

Key Points

• Scott McKenna has ruled out a summer move to Celtic despite strong transfer links
• The 29-year-old centre-back is focused on staying at Dinamo Zagreb through the season
• McKenna has won his first Croatian top-flight title with Dinamo Zagreb this season
• The Scotland defender is approaching his 50th senior international cap
• Scotland has qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup after a 28-year absence
• McKenna aims to reward Scotland coach Steve Clarke’s “loyalty” at the World Cup
• Dinamo Zagreb chief scout Tomislav Sokota confirmed serious offers of around £10 million for McKenna
• Celtic sent scouts to monitor McKenna’s performances in Croatia recently
• McKenna has returned from a thigh injury ahead of the World Cup
• Scotland faces Brazil, Morocco, and Haiti in Group C at the 2026 World Cup
• Dinamo Zagreb prepares for the Croatian Cup Final against Rijeka
• McKenna previously played for Aberdeen, Nottingham Forest, and Las Palmas

Glasgow (Glasgow Express) May 25, 2025 – Dinamo Zagreb centre-back Scott McKenna has firmly ruled out a transfer to Celtic this summer, declaring his commitment to remaining with the Croatian club as he prepares for Scotland’s historic World Cup campaign. The Scottish international, who has been heavily linked with a return to Scottish football, stated his priority is helping Dinamo Zagreb complete a domestic double and representing his country at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Why Has Scott McKenna Ruled Out a Move to Celtic Despite Strong Transfer Interest?

As reported by the Glasgow Times, McKenna has explicitly dismissed speculation connecting him with Celtic, despite the Parkhead club sending multiple scouting missions to watch him play in Croatia over recent weeks. “Instead, the defender is focused on staying at Dinamo Zagreb. He can’t wait to go to the World Cup,” the Glasgow Times reported in its coverage of McKenna’s statement.

The former Aberdeen and Nottingham Forest player made his position clear amid growing rumours that Celtic were preparing a substantial bid. According to The Daily Record, Celtic have increased their interest in McKenna and dispatched scouts to monitor his performances regularly. However, the defender’s mind remains fixed on his current club and international duties.

Tomislav Sokota, Dinamo Zagreb’s chief scout, confirmed to The Daily Record that serious offers have been received for McKenna. “It’s not just speculation about Scott McKenna, there are serious offers. We’re talking about around £10 million here,” Sokota stated via The Daily Record. This £10 million (approximately €11.5 million) fee would make McKenna Celtic’s third-most expensive signing of all time and the priciest defender ever to join the club if the deal progressed.

How Did Scott McKenna’s Performance at Dinamo Zagreb Lead to World Cup Selection?

Scott McKenna’s decision to join Dinamo Zagreb on a free transfer from Las Palmas in July 2025 has proven pivotal for his international prospects. As reported by BBC Sport, the 29-year-old has “recently clinched his inaugural title in the Croatian top division and has the opportunity to add a national cup victory to his accolades”.

McKenna is now on the brink of earning his 50th senior international cap for Scotland, a milestone that underscores his consistent performances at club level. “The key aspect with the manager is his consistency and the trust he places in us,” McKenna expressed in an interview with BBC Scotland.

The defender’s journey to this point included stints at Aberdeen, Nottingham Forest, and Las Palmas before securing his position at Dinamo Zagreb. His return to full fitness from a thigh problem that caused concern ahead of the World Cup was confirmed by Dinamo boss Mario Kovacevic, who told the Glasgow Times: “Scott McKenna is in the squad. He is back fully fit again and his return is a big help for us”.

What Did Scott McKenna Say About Rewarding Steve Clarke’s Loyalty at the World Cup?

In a revealing interview with BBC Scotland, McKenna opened up about his motivation for representing Scotland at the 2026 World Cup. “Scott McKenna aims to reciprocate the faith shown by Scotland’s coach Steve Clarke and assist the national squad in achieving a historic milestone at this summer’s World Cup,” BBC Sport reported.

McKenna’s relationship with manager Steve Clarke has been central to his international resurgence. “The most significant aspect with the manager is his consistency and faith in me,” McKenna shared with BBC Scotland. “When I joined, I was still at Aberdeen and making numerous errors. He supported me through it all. In nearly every camp I’ve been fit for, he has selected me and retained my position in the squad”.

The defender continued: “In every match I participate in, I strive to perform well not only for myself and the team but also for the manager, hoping to express my gratitude for everything he has done for me”. This sentiment reflects McKenna’s determination to help Scotland achieve something historic – advancing past the initial round for the first time in their World Cup history.

What Are the Transfer Details and Valuation for Scott McKenna?

According to multiple sources, Dinamo Zagreb has a clear valuation for McKenna. The Daily Record reported that the Croatian club is seeking approximately £10 million for the experienced centre-back. This figure was confirmed by chief scout Tomislav Sokota, who emphasised that the offers received were substantial.

TransferFeed’s market analysis places McKenna’s valuation between €8.0 million and €12.0 million, with €11.5 million identified as the most likely value. However, some football market experts have suggested a lower valuation of around €5 million, while Transfermarkt’s market value for the player was reported as €4 million around the same period.

Celtic previously had the opportunity to sign McKenna for free in the summer of 2024, but the deal did not materialise. Had they succeeded then, McKenna “would have enhanced their defensive lineup,” according to analysis. Now, any potential move would require Celtic to break their transfer record for a defender.

If a fee of €11.5 million is needed to land McKenna, he would become the most expensive defender to ever join Celtic, surpassing Christopher Julien, and would only rank behind Jota and Arne Engels on the club’s all-time list of biggest fees paid.

How Has Scotland Qualified for the 2026 World Cup and What Is McKenna’s Role?

Scotland’s qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup marks a significant milestone – their first World Cup appearance in 28 years. The national team secured their place after a dramatic finish to qualifying, scoring two goals during stoppage time in their last qualifying match to avoid the playoffs.

McKenna has been named in Scotland’s 26-man squad for the tournament, as confirmed by official announcements. The defenders in the squad include Grant Hanley (Hibernian), Jack Hendry (Al-Ettifaq), Aaron Hickey (Brentford), Dom Hyam (Wrexham), and Scott McKenna (Dinamo Zagreb).

Scotland faces a challenging Group C featuring Brazil – the record five-time champions – surprising semi-finalists Morocco from the previous tournament, and Haiti. McKenna’s experience and defensive solidity will be crucial as Steve Clarke’s squad aims to make history.

Previously, McKenna described the World Cup’s magnitude compared to Euro 2024: “I don’t believe anything compares to the magnitude of a World Cup. The Euros were significant, but the World Cup is on an entirely different scale,” he remarked. He also noted that “the World Cup will be like Euro 2024 – but on steroids”.

What Is the Current Situation at Dinamo Zagreb and the Croatian Cup Final?

Dinamo Zagreb is preparing for the Croatian Cup Final against Rijeka, where McKenna could complete a domestic double by winning both the league title and national cup. The defender has already secured his first Croatian top-flight title this season.

Dinamo boss Mario Kovacevic confirmed McKenna’s availability for the cup final, stating via Glasgow Times that the centre-back is “back fully fit again and his return is a big help for us”. This comes after McKenna missed recent fixtures due to a thigh problem that sparked concern ahead of the World Cup.

The Croatian club finished as runners-up in Croatia’s top flight last season before McKenna’s arrival, but this season they have secured the title. Dinamo Zagreb is aware of Celtic’s interest, with multiple clubs now monitoring the situation.

Background: How Scott McKenna’s Career Developed Leading to This Point

Scott Fraser McKenna was born on 12 November 1996 and is a Scottish professional footballer who plays as a centre-back for HNL club Dinamo Zagreb and the Scotland national team. His career began at Aberdeen, where he developed into a promising defender before moving to Nottingham Forest in the English Championship.

After his time at Nottingham Forest, McKenna had a spell at Las Palmas in Spain before joining Dinamo Zagreb on a free transfer in July 2025. He activated a relegation clause in his Las Palmas contract that allowed him to leave, ultimately signing a multi-year deal with the Croatian club.

The move to Dinamo Zagreb proved fortuitous for McKenna’s international career. Under Scotland manager Steve Clarke, who has consistently selected him whenever fit, McKenna has become a regular fixture in the national squad. Clarke’s loyalty to McKenna, even during periods when the defender was “making numerous errors” at Aberdeen, has been central to their relationship.

Prior to the World Cup qualification drama, McKenna had already expressed that nothing compares to the World Cup’s magnitude, having experienced the Euro 2024 atmosphere with thousands of Scottish fans travelling to Germany. Scotland’s qualification after 28 years represents a historic moment for Scottish football, and McKenna is positioned as a key figure in the defensive line.

Prediction: How This Development Can Affect Celtic Fans and Scotland Supporters

For Celtic fans, McKenna’s decision to rule out a move means the club must continue searching for defensive reinforcements elsewhere. Celtic had previously missed the opportunity to sign him for free in summer 2024, and now any potential acquisition would require breaking their transfer record for a defender at approximately £10 million. With McKenna committed to Dinamo Zagreb through the World Cup, Celtic’s pursuit faces significant uncertainty, especially as other clubs including Coventry, Ipswich and Millwall are also tipped to try to hijack any potential move.

For Scotland supporters heading to the 2026 World Cup, McKenna’s decision to stay focused at Dinamo Zagreb ensures he arrives at the tournament in optimal condition. His return from injury ahead of the World Cup and his commitment to completing the domestic double means he will be match-fit when Scotland faces Brazil, Morocco and Haiti in Group C. With 49 caps already and approaching his 50th international appearance, McKenna’s experience will be invaluable as Scotland attempts to advance past the group stage for the first time in their history.

The defender’s motivation to reward Steve Clarke’s loyalty adds another layer of commitment to Scotland’s campaign. Clarke’s consistent selection policy has brought stability to the national team, and McKenna’s expressed gratitude suggests he will give maximum effort throughout the tournament. With the World Cup described as “on steroids” compared to Euro 2024, having a defender who understands the magnitude of the occasion and is mentally focused could prove crucial for Scotland’s historic World Cup attempt.