If a recent report from The Daily Record is believed to be true, Celtic are keen to bolster their defensive third in the summer and have identified Zinedin Smajlovic as a transfer target. But they are not alone in the race, with French side Toulouse and the Norwegian giants Bodø/Glimt also in the mix for the Sandefjord centre-back.
The 22-year-old former Sweden youth international progressed through the academy ranks of AIK, FC Djursholm, IFK Stocksund, IK Frej and IF Brommapojkarna before joining Täby FK on a Bosman. There, he made his senior debut, but eventually left for Serie A outfit Leece for a fee of around €100k in July, 2023.
However, Smajlovic failed to earn minutes in Italy, and a brief loan to Lecco in the second tier could not change his fortune. He returned to his homeland upon terminating his Leece contract on mutual consent and joined Sandvikens to revive his career. An impressive stint earned him a move to Norway, when Sandefjord snapped him up ahead of the 2025 Eliteserien season.
Why Celtic Must Snap Him Up
Smajlovic made an immediate impact for the Whalers, who finished fifth in the 2025 standings. Despite being under contract till December 2028, an exit can’t be ruled out, with the player himself open to a fresh challenge if the right offer arrives. He has started all their league games so far this campaign, and his ball-playing skills, physical and aerial supremacy, goal-scoring ability and the offensive threat during attacking set-pieces tick the boxes of a modern-day centre-half.
Why Smajlovic Would Flourish At Parkhead With Assured Minutes
Celtic are likely to undergo a transition in the summer, both in terms of appointing a new manager and rebuilding the squad to overcome the shambles of the past couple of windows. While the search is on for Martin O’Neill’s long-term successor, the board must not leave the transfer business late, as they have done this season.
Bolstering the deep defence should remain on their agenda as part of the squad overhaul, with Cameron Carter-Vickers, Auston Trusty and Liam Scales being the only stable options in the heart of the backline. The future of both Dane Murray and Stephen Welsh is uncertain due to limited involvement in recent years. Benjamin Arthur, on loan from Brentford, is unlikely to accept a sporadic status beyond this month. Carter-Vickers needs months to regain full fitness after rupturing his Achilles tendon back in late October, and the Swedish prodigy holds all the traits to cement a starting spot if a transfer takes place in due time.
