Celtic Pursues Ermin Mahmić with £7 Million Offer, Reports Claim
Celtic is reportedly in negotiations to acquire Ermin Mahmić from Czech top-flight team Slovan Liberec, according to Sky Sports. The clubs are reportedly discussing a transfer fee around £7 million, with an additional £1.5 million tied to performance-related incentives. Mahmić, a Bosnian international midfielder, has recently gained attention across Europe following a notable run of form both domestically and internationally.
Celtic closing in on £7m Bosnia midfielder, Sky Sports reports
Sky Sports has confirmed that the discussions are substantive, indicating serious engagement between the two clubs regarding a clear financial agreement. The 24-year-old midfielder typically plays centrally and possesses an attacking style that aligns with a club aiming for dominance in the final third.
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Celtic’s interest in Mahmić aligns with their broader summer strategy. The club has already signed Mika Baur to enhance their midfield’s technical capabilities, and bringing in Mahmić could add another layer of creativity rather than focusing on defensive depth. His recent performance statistics place him in the 99th percentile for shot attempts among midfielders in similar leagues, highlighting his ability to produce offensive chances beyond simple possession play.
Celtic in Mahmić analysis: Can he cut it under O’Neill?
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON – JUNE 24: Ermin Mahmic #26 of Bosnia and Herzegovina celebrates scoring his team’s third goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group B match between Bosnia and Herzegovina and Qatar at Seattle Stadium on June 24, 2026 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)
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Mahmić exemplifies a distinct playing style, excelling at cutting into half-spaces, making late runs into the box, and generating a high volume of shots. However, this approach may not directly translate well into the Scottish league.
O’Neill emphasizes defensive discipline from all attacking midfielders he employs, which requires Mahmić to adapt his game. He cannot solely focus on creativity; he must also engage in pressing, tracking opponents, and fulfilling less glamorous tasks. This marks a significant shift for a player accustomed to having more freedom in Liberec’s system.
Celtic has already secured Baur to occupy similar creative roles in the center. Adding Mahmić to this position risks crowding the attacking area and may inadvertently compress Reo Hatate or Callum McGregor into restrictive roles that neither player thrives in.
Nonetheless, O’Neill’s proven track record in man-management may provide a path for Mahmić to excel. Should he be positioned as a second striker or as an inverted left option who cuts inside to connect with players like Camilo Durán, he could find success. As Celtic prepares for a challenging Champions League schedule this season, Mahmić’s ability to deliver in the crucial final third could prove significant, provided his transition to the new team is effectively managed.
Celtic are in talks to sign Ermin Mahmić from Czech top-flight side Slovan Liberec, according to Sky Sports. The clubs are discussing a fee in the region of £7m, with a further £1.5m available in performance-related add-ons. Mahmić is a Bosnian international midfielder who has been catching attention across Europe after a strong run of form domestically and on the international circuit.
Celtic closing in on £7m Bosnia midfielder, Sky Sports reports
Sky Sports broke the story, and it is significant. This isn’t a social media whisper; it’s a credible outlet reporting that dialogue between the clubs is live and structured around a concrete valuation. The 24-year-old plays primarily through the centre and has an attacking profile that suits a team wanting to control games in the final third.
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Celtic‘s interest makes sense in the broader context of their summer. The club have already added Mika Baur to strengthen their technical options in midfield, and Mahmić would represent another layer of creativity rather than a defensive reinforcement. His statistics in recent competitive campaigns rank him at the 99th percentile for shot attempts among midfielders in comparable leagues, which suggests genuine end-product intent, not just possession circulation.
Celtic in Mahmić analysis: Can he cut it under O’Neill?
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON – JUNE 24: Ermin Mahmic #26 of Bosnia and Herzegovina celebrates scoring his team’s third goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group B match between Bosnia and Herzegovina and Qatar at Seattle Stadium on June 24, 2026 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)
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Here’s the honest part. Mahmić is a very specific type of player. He thrives cutting into half-spaces, arriving late into the box, and generating shot volume. That profile doesn’t automatically translate in Scotland.
O’Neill demands defensive discipline from every attacking midfielder he deploys, regardless of creative license. Mahmić can’t just drift and create; he’ll need to press hard, track runners, and do the unglamorous work. That’s a significant adjustment for someone built around freedom of movement in Liberec’s structure.
Celtic already have Baur occupying similar central creative space. Stacking Mahmić into that area risks congesting the attacking zones and boxing Reo Hatate or Callum McGregor into overly restricted, conservative roles neither player benefits from.
But O’Neill’s strength has always been man-management. If he deploys Mahmić as a second striker or an inverted left option who cuts inside and links with runners like Camilo Durán, there’s a proper fit there. Celtic’s Champions League schedule this season demands variety. Mahmić’s raw final-third productivity could be decisive on European nights if the adaptation curve is managed well.
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