(Credit: Imago)

Jack Dawson

Sat 2 May 2026 12:00, UK

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Zinedin Smajlovic has recently been linked with a move to Celtic ahead of the summer transfer window.

The 22-year-old centre-back currently plays for Norwegian side Sandefjord and has quickly become a key player.

In the 2025 season, he made 26 appearances with 2 goals and 2 assists, and earned a place in the league’s Team of the Season.

Despite being contracted until 2028, Rudy Galetti reported on his Substack on 30 April that Sandefjord could consider offers this summer, with Celtic interested.

Now, with Celtic looking to upgrade their backline, the addition of the defender could be a big coup for the club.

Zinedin Smajlovic has some excellent stats

While Smajlovic may only be young, he has already made a big impression in Norway.

Based on his Fotmob stats from last season, it is no wonder he was included in the Team of the Season.

Per 90 minutes, he was averaging, 0.08 goals, 0.47 chances created, 0.99 successful dribbles, 5.54 duels won, 1.27 tackles, 5.26 recoveries and 1.19 interceptions.

These stats are no doubt stunning, especially for a player of Smajlovic’s age.

If Celtic were able to bring him in, he could have a massive impact at the club, and with the defender only likely to improve further, it could be a revolutionary addition.

However, it remains to be seen if they are able to get the deal over the line.

What other business could Celtic complete in the transfer window?

On the departure front, Football Insider exclusively revealed that Arne Engels is open to a move away from Celtic this summer.

The 22-year-old is attracting high-profile interest in a move away from Parkhead, and now Borussia Dortmund have joined the race for his signature.

Engels is also attracting interest from the Premier League and Serie A, with Nottingham Forest seeing multiple bids rejected in the recent winter window.

If the Hoops miss out on Champions League football, it could prove to be difficult to keep hold of the midfielder over the coming months.

However, it remains to be seen if Celtic are able to keep their top players, with the end of the current campaign likely to be key to their short-term futures in Glasgow.