Celtic Eyes Young Midfielder Ermin Mahmić Amid Transfer Speculation
According to Infotbal, Celtic have shown a keen interest in 21-year-old attacking midfielder Ermin Mahmić from Slovan Liberec after learning the conditions set by the Czech club for a possible transfer. Reports suggest that Celtic has other transfer targets in consideration, indicating that a deal has not yet been finalized.
Celtic Transfer Interest in Mahmić Grows
Mahmić has caught the attention of various clubs due to his impressive form. After moving to Liberec from SV Lafnitz in June 2025, he recorded seven goals and three assists in 28 league appearances, accumulating 1,553 minutes of play. Slovan’s statistics back up these performance figures. His international career also saw a significant rise after FIFA approved his transfer to Bosnia and Herzegovina, which led to his inclusion in the World Cup squad, where he scored twice. According to Fox Sports, he logged 67 minutes on the pitch during the tournament and netted two goals.
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Celtic’s interest appears to be football-related, although the reported asking price remains a significant concern. Slovan signed him on a four-year deal, and current inquiries suggest their asking price is above the previously reported £6 million.
Tactical Considerations for Celtic
SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA – JULY 01: Ermin Mahmic #26 of Bosnia and Herzegovina reacts to Folarin Balogun #20 of the United States receiving a red card during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 match between USA and Bosnia and Herzegovina at San Francisco Bay Area Stadium on July 01, 2026 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
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However, there are tactical considerations to keep in mind. Martin O’Neill’s Celtic has historically emphasized a pragmatic and physical style of play, which may not align well with Mahmić’s strengths as a lightweight No.10. Mahmić thrives in advanced positions, where he can find space, receive the ball comfortably, and make quick plays.
His goal-scoring ability is noteworthy, with seven league goals and two World Cup goals from just 67 minutes of play reflecting his efficiency. Yet, Celtic may prioritize midfielders who excel under physical contact, can cover more ground, and contribute defensively consistently. Current assessments suggest Mahmić might not fit this profile effectively.
Recommendations for Celtic’s Future Moves
Alongside Mika Baur and Haissem Hassan, O’Neill already boasts players with more technical proficiency. Investing another £6 million in an attacking creative player could disrupt the midfield balance. Celtic would benefit more from acquiring a robust box-to-box midfielder or a strong holding midfielder capable of establishing physical dominance, shielding the defense, and advancing the play.
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If Reo Hatate or other midfielders depart, the strategy should focus on filling structural gaps rather than merely adding more attacking talent. Although Mahmić has the potential to change games and provide impact off the bench, as demonstrated during the World Cup, investing heavily in a player who may not align with O’Neill’s system could be unnecessary. Clubs like Salzburg or Frankfurt might see value in taking that risk, but Celtic should consider directing their funds toward a midfielder more suited to their tactical requirements.
According to Infotbal, Celtic have shown an interest in a 21-year-old attacking midfielder at Slovan Liberec, Ermin Mahmić, after learning the Czech side’s conditions for a potential deal. The report says Celtic have other targets in play, so this does not represent a completed negotiation or an accepted bid.
Celtic transfer report puts 21-year-old on radar
His form has given clubs plenty to notice. After joining Liberec from SV Lafnitz in June 2025, he produced seven goals and three assists in 28 league appearances, logging 1,553 minutes across the campaign. Slovan’s own figures confirm that output. His rise continued internationally after FIFA cleared his switch to Bosnia and Herzegovina, and he made the World Cup squad before scoring twice during the tournament. Fox Sports records 67 World Cup minutes and two goals.
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Celtic‘s interest, then, has a footballing basis, although the reported terms remain the key issue. Slovan signed him on a four-year contract, while current reports place their asking price above the £6 million figure cited in the supplied report.
T4O take: Celtic have a tactical question to answer
SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA – JULY 01: Ermin Mahmic #26 of Bosnia and Herzegovina reacts to Folarin Balogun #20 of the United States receiving a red card during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 match between USA and Bosnia and Herzegovina at San Francisco Bay Area Stadium on July 01, 2026 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
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This is where I’d hesitate. Martin O’Neill’s Celtic have built around a pragmatic, physical approach, and that creates a poor fit for a lightweight No.10 who wants freedom between the lines. Mahmić’s best work comes in advanced areas, where he can drift into pockets, receive on the turn and make something happen quickly.
His finishing deserves credit. Seven league goals, then two World Cup goals from 67 minutes, show efficiency. Yet Celtic need midfielders who can survive contact, cover ground and contribute consistently without the ball. His defensive numbers offer little evidence that he provides that profile.
Celtic should spend elsewhere
Mika Baur and Haissem Hassan give O’Neill more technical quality, but another £6 million attacking creator could leave the midfield balance awkward. Celtic need an assertive box-to-box player or a dominant holding midfielder who can set the physical tempo, protect the back four and still move possession forward.
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If Reo Hatate or other midfield options leave, the answer should address the structural gap rather than add another talented attacker. Mahmić can score, create and change matches from the bench, as Bosnia discovered. However, paying a premium for a player whose natural role doesn’t sit comfortably inside O’Neill’s preferred setup feels unnecessary. Salzburg or Frankfurt can take the gamble; Celtic should put that money into a midfielder built for the job.
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