Dubravka to Celtic: O’Rourke shares emphatic verdict
Kasper Schmeichel’s form for Celtic this season will rule them out of making an approach to sign Martin Dubravka from Newcastle United, sources have told Football Insider.
Dubravka could leave St. James’ Park this summer after seven seasons, despite former England keeper Paul Robinson telling Football Insider in January that Eddie Howe was loathe to lose him mid-season.
Celtic have been mooted as a destination for Dubravka, but speaking on the new edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, senior correspondent Pete O’Rourke admitted he can’t see that happening.
The Hoops’ current number one Schmeichel was only brought in on a free transfer from Anderlecht last summer following Joe Hart’s retirement, and his form has helped Celtic attain Scotland’s best defence.
Celtic swoop for Dubravka unlikely after Schmeichel update
Schmeichel has, without doubt, been a success at Parkhead, forming an immediate connection with the Celtic fanbase and signing a new contract in January to extend his stay by a further year into 2026.
Dubravka, who is two years younger than Schmeichel, was linked with a move to Celtic Park last summer before the Dane’s arrival in Glasgow, and is unlikely to replace the 38-year-old between the sticks any time soon.
Furthermore, with Dubravka also penning a new deal at Newcastle in February, Football Insider sources have said that Celtic moving to sign the Slovakian wouldn’t make a lot of sense this summer.
Brendan Rodgers planning seismic summer at Celtic
While Schmeichel’s place in the Celtic goal looks secure, the same can’t be said for some of his teammates, with Football Insider revealing Brendan Rodgers will swing the axe in the summer window.
The Celtic boss is demanding no less than five key signings as the transfer market winds up, with ex- Aberdeen CEO Keith Wyness telling Football Insider that Rodgers is putting pressure on their board.
Rodgers is under no illusions that such an aggressive transfer strategy will cost Celtic several millions this summer, with plenty of changes expected ahead of the start of next season.