Celtic face Kasper Schmeichel retirement blow; Illan Meslier among three goalkeepers who could replace injured Dane
Celtic shot-stopper Kasper Schmeichel has confirmed that his career at Parkhead is likely to come to an end this summer.
The goalkeeper is facing 10-12 months on the injury table due to problems stemming from a dislocated shoulder suffered last year.
He has been missing from the Celtic squad since February after confirming that he would need four to six weeks to recover from the latest knock.
But speaking on Tuesday night, Schmeichel confirmed that, after visiting a specialist, he may have played the last game of his professional career.
A goalkeeper certainly will feature in Celtic’s transfer plans this summer, and Football Insider has suggested three that they may explore moves for.
🔄 Celtic Transfer Update 🔄
Breaking news on latest signings, departures, and contract news from the Parkhead boardroom.
VISIT THE CELTIC TRANSFER HUBIllan Meslier – Leeds United
Football Insider exclusively revealed in February that Meslier will leave Leeds United this summer after failing to make a single senior appearance this season.
The Frenchman had been the number one for the majority of the last campaign, but lost his position to Karl Darlow after several mistakes.
| Target Profile | Contract Status | Key Attribute |
|---|---|---|
| Illan Meslier (26) | Free Agent (Summer 2026) | Elite Shot-Stopping / Youth |
| Stefan Ortega (33) | Free Agent (Summer 2026) | Distribution / Experience |
| Aleksander Bobek (21) | Free Agent (Summer 2026) | High Potential / Resale Value |
The Whites signed Lucas Perri from Lyon in the summer and he was expected to be their number one, but he has also lost his place in recent months.
It was not long ago that Meslier, 26, was starting week in, week out in the Premier League and catching the eyes of Europe’s biggest clubs.
He will be a free agent in the summer and could be an ideal candidate to replace Schmeichel.
Stefan Ortega – Nottingham Forest
Ortega joined Nottingham Forest in January, signing a deal until the end of the season after three and a half years at Manchester City.
The 33-year-old enjoyed a strong stint with the Citizens, playing 56 games and winning the Premier League twice.
While a back-up for much of his time at the Etihad Stadium, Ortega did enjoy brief periods as the number one.
His save to deny Son Heung-min in the penultimate game of the 2023-24 season likely won Man City the Premier League.
The German is currently injured for Nottingham Forest, but will be a free agent in the summer and available for a potential move to Celtic.
Aleksander Bobek – LKS Lodz
If it’s talent and potential Celtic are looking for, then they should look no further than 21-year-old Aleksander Bobek.
The Poland youth international’s contract also expires in the summer, though he continues to start every game for LKS Lodz.
| Aleksander Bobek | Ekstraklasa 2023-24 |
| Appearances | 27 |
| Saves | 99 |
| Save percentage | 62.7% |
| Penalty saves | 1 |
| Errors leading to goals | 0 |
Bobek possesses great reactions and a tall frame to deal with shots at full reach, and balls into the box.
His age will be something to think about, but the goalkeeper has already played 95 games for LKS Lodz, and has made 66 appearances in Poland’s second tier, and 27 in their first.
Target: Elijah Just (Motherwell)
Long-term: Carter-Vickers out
League Pos: 2nd (58 pts)
Status: Summer Talks Underway
Revenue: £143.6m (2025)