If a recent report from The Daily Record is believed to be true, Celtic are keeping close tabs on Scott McKenna and have sent scouts to watch the Dinamo Zagreb centre-back. But they are not alone in the hunt, with clubs south of the border also monitoring him ahead of a potential summer swoop.
The Croatian giants revealed last month that there is interest in the 29-year-old Scotland international. But he won’t be allowed to leave on a minuscule fee, as revealed by their chief scout, Tomislav Sokota.
“It’s not just speculation about Scott McKenna, there are serious offers. We are talking about £10 million here.”
After progressing through Aberdeen’s academy ranks, the veteran defensive ace was sent out on loan to Ayr United and Alloa Athletic in the lower divisions to attain regular minutes in the heart of the backline. Soon, he cemented a starting status in the Dons’ defence and went on to make 118 senior appearances for his boyhood club before plying his trade at Nottingham Forest for a fee in the region of £3m (potentially rising to £6m).
Despite contributing to their Premier League promotion the following season, McKenna had his minutes decimated due to persistent injury woes. Having found himself way down the pecking order behind Murillo, Willy Boly and Moussa Niakhaté, he was loaned out to the Danish Superliga club Copenhagen for the second half of the 2023-24 season.
Meanwhile, Forest opted not to renew his contract beyond the summer of 2024. The Scotsman joined La Liga outfit Las Palmas but failed to prevent relegation following a 19th-placed league finish. He was on the move again last year and eventually ended up in Croatia on a Bosman transfer.
A move to Zagreb worked out for the centre-half, who has been instrumental to their sheer dominance in the domestic competitions. In addition to reaching the Croatian Cup final, the Blues have maintained a comfortable cushion at the top of the HNL standings. McKenna has so far featured 37 times across competitions, and his strong presence at the back has made Mario Kovačević’s life easy upon being appointed as Fabio Cannavaro’s successor.
Why Celtic Should Look For Alternatives
Celtic are expected to undergo a squad overhaul in the summer window. Although they are expected to have Cameron Carter-Vickers back from his long-term injury, the lack of minutes could see Benjamin Arthur return to Brentford for a fresh opportunity. Auston Trusty and Liam Scales have been the preferred central defensive pairing throughout the season, and the Hoops are expected to bring in another defender, with Dane Murray failing to leave a mark and Stephen Welsh being surplus to requirements at Parkhead.
Having said that, a move for McKenna makes little sense if the Croatian hotshots stick to their valuation. He will be in his 30s later this year, and the club should opt for a right-footed centre-back to find the right balance in deep defence. Both Scales and Trusty are left-footed, and a player with a similar profile would be another transfer mistake. Bringing Arthur back on loan would be a better deal if they are willing to invest in the other areas. Also, Welsh’s strong run at Motherwell could earn him a lifeline at his parent club, provided the Celts decide to extend his stay beyond this season.
