(Credit: Imago)

Pete O'Rourke, Transfer Correspondent

Tue 10 March 2026 9:48, UK

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Viljami Sinisalo could alter the plan for Celtic to target a new number one goalkeeper in the transfer market this summer, sources have told Football Insider.

The 24-year-old has taken the starting spot in recent weeks, and the club hierarchy feel that he is doing “everything he possibly can” to prove that he is worthy of the shirt next season.

Kasper Schmeichel’s departure from Parkhead is still seen as highly likely ahead of next term, and sources have now indicated that the Bhoys could switch their focus towards adding a new back-up gloveman if Sinisalo continues to perform.

Celtic plan to add a new shot stopper to their group regardless of what happens between now and the end of the season, but Sinisalo could force a complete U-turn in their initial stance if he keeps doing well.

Bhoys remain unbeaten with Viljami Sinisalo in goal in 2025-26

Celtic fans have been growing increasingly frustrated with Schmeichel’s performances as the season has worn on, as the Dane has continually made high-profile errors that have cost his team.

The former Leicester City star was replaced by Sinisalo for the second leg of the Europa League clash against Stuttgart and has since been kept out of the team, while not even featuring on the bench since that trip to Germany.

Schmeichel has been suffering from illness during that time, but Martin O’Neill had been facing growing pressure to axe him from the starting XI regardless.

Sinisalo has been impressive in his absence, having kept a clean sheet in that clash with Stuttgart, before keeping another in last weekend’s Scottish Cup win over Rangers.

The team are still unbeaten with him between the posts so far this term, and it is clear that he is staking a claim to keep the starting spot for next season.

Celtic weigh up permanent Marcelo Saracchi deal

Football Insider revealed on Tuesday that Celtic are weighing up a permanent move for left-back Marcelo Saracchi when his loan deal expires at the end of the season.

O’Neill has previously suggested that he is a big fan of what the Uruguayan brings to the table for his team, and he has already outlined that he thinks it would be a good idea for the club to bring him in for next season.

However, any chance of Celtic striking a deal for Saracchi is likely to depend on the stance of the player himself.

Kieran Tierney is expected to remain as the first-choice right-back for next term, meaning that Saracchi will have to be content with operating in a back-up role if he is to make the switch to Parkhead permanently.

It remains to be seen how he will feel about that possibility, but it has quickly become clear that it is a crucial obstacle that must be overcome if Celtic are to strike a deal.