Key Points
- Celtic are in advanced negotiations to sign 21-year-old Bosnian international midfielder Ermin Mahmic from Slovan Liberec for a potential total outlay of £8.5 million.
- Mahmic has reportedly said goodbye to his Slovan Liberec teammates ahead of a proposed switch to Parkhead to replace Arne Engels.
- Bundesliga club RB Leipzig have also expressed interest in Mahmic, though Celtic remain in pole position to secure his signature.
- Rangers have placed three targets on a serious transfer agenda as manager Philippe Clement prioritises attacking reinforcements.
- Celtic are additionally considering Hajduk Split midfielder Niko Sigur and Torino’s Gvidas Gineitis to build further depth.
Glasgow (Glasgow Express) August 22, 2026 — Scottish Premiership rivals Celtic and Rangers are accelerating their activity in the transfer market as the summer window enters its final full week.
As reported by Scott Burns of the Daily Record, Celtic are in advanced talks to conclude a deal for Slovan Liberec midfielder Ermin Mahmic, with the initial fee set around £7 million plus £1.5 million in potential add-ons. According to Anthony Joseph of Sky Sports, discussions between Celtic and the Czech outfit are progressing well, with the structural terms of the transfer remaining as the final key detail to be finalised.
Mahmic, who starred for Bosnia and Herzegovina at the 2026 FIFA World Cup by scoring twice during the tournament, has reportedly bade farewell to his teammates at Slovan Liberec ahead of his move. Czech outlet inFotbal.cz notes that while German side RB Leipzig have shown interest in the player, Celtic remain the frontrunners.
What Are Celtic’s Midfield Options Following Recent Departures?
As reported by Stephen McGowan of the Scottish Daily Mail, Celtic have made the midfield engine room their primary recruitment focus following the departure of Belgian midfielder Arne Engels.
Alongside negotiations for Mahmic, Celtic are actively monitoring Hajduk Split midfielder Niko Sigur, who can cover both central midfield and right-back. As detailed by Mark Hendry of Football Scotland, Torino midfielder Gvidas Gineitis is also on Celtic’s radar as manager Martin O’Neill seeks additional depth ahead of the Champions League group stages.
How Are Rangers Structuring Their Summer Transfer Strategy?
As reported by Chris Jack of the Glasgow Times, Rangers have placed three senior targets on a serious transfer agenda to bolster their front line before the window shuts.
Rangers manager Philippe Clement is prioritising attacking creativity and firepower, with the Light Blues actively pursuing additions to complement their current squad structure.
Background of the Development
The late-window transfer flurry comes against the backdrop of significant squad restructuring at both Old Firm clubs. Celtic have already recruited striker Kasper Hogh, winger Camilo Duran, Egyptian winger Haissem Hassan, and German midfielder Mika Baur during the current window.
Financially, Celtic’s pursuit of primary targets is backed by their strong position in European competition. Martin O’Neill’s side hold a 3-0 lead over Austrian side LASK heading into the second leg of their UEFA Champions League play-off tie. Reaching the competition’s group stages guarantees significant revenue streams, directly supporting late window investments like the proposed £8.5 million package for Mahmic.
Prediction: Impact on Scottish Premiership Clubs and Supporters
The arrival of Ermin Mahmic and further recruitment at Parkhead will significantly alter Celtic’s dynamic, offering creative midfield output following Arne Engels’ departure. For Celtic supporters, securing an international profile player who performed at the World Cup provides structural quality as the club prepares for multi-competition fixture congestion.
For Rangers, completing their three intended forward-line additions is critical to maintaining a sustained title challenge. Should both clubs successfully execute their final transfer objectives, the competitive gap at the top of the Scottish Premiership will depend heavily on how quickly these late arrivals integrate into their respective systems.
