Celtic plot bargain move to sign £0 star who Guardiola called “world-class”

Celtic are now reportedly planning a move in 2026 to sign the Manchester City player, who Pep Guardiola has described as “world class”.

Celtic targets the English Premier League goalkeeper

There is a lot of work for Wilfried Nancy to do in the transfer window, and that work could include signing a new goalkeeper next summer. As it stands, current No.1 Kasper Schmeichel is set to leave Celtic as a free agent at the end of his contract next summer, handing the Bhoi family the task of finding a replacement.

The former Leicester City man has been an excellent servant since replacing Joe Hart in 2024, but looks set to leave Scotland at the age of 39.

Celtic may also have no choice but to target attacking reinforcements in the January transfer window, amid reports that Daizen Maeda could leave the club. The Japan international has plenty of admirers in the Premier League and could deliver an undeniable blow to the Bhoi this winter.

Speaking about the January transfer window and potential additions after the arrival, new manager Nancy told reporters: “The idea in every organization is improvement.

“I’ll evaluate the team. I know them as a team because I’ve watched a lot of matches. Now it’s about knowing them as a person. Then we’ll see what’s best for the team. I like to take my time. I know I don’t have a lot of time.

“It’s no secret that I want to play a certain way. Try to be proactive [pressure] “For the opponent, try to attack the ball as quickly as possible and then it is also disgusting to play against it when we defend – because we will have moments where we have to suffer.”

However, 2026 could be a busy year for those at Celtic Park which includes the arrival of Manchester City’s Stefan Ortega, according to reports.

Celtic are planning a move for Ortega

According to football Insider’s Pete O’Rourke, Celtic are now planning to sign Ortega when his current contract with Manchester City expires next summer. The 33-year-old could come straight in for Schmeichel as the Bhoys turn to English football for another goalkeeper.

While Ortega has dropped down the pecking order at the Etihad, Guardiola has not held back on praising the experienced goalkeeper in the past – telling reporters just last year: “Ortega is a world-class goalkeeper. An exceptional, exceptional goalkeeper.”

For Celtic, the move makes perfect sense. Their move to Hart has been a success for everyone involved, as has their move to Schmeichel. Now, it looks like they are ready to follow the blueprint by signing Ortega.

After the news was reported, O’Rourke told Football Insider: “You would think Ortega would be a good fit, especially if he becomes a free agent in the summer.

“He had completely fallen out of favor at Manchester City, with Gianluigi Donnarumma and James Trafford ahead of him, and Marcus Bettinelli was traveling with the team.

“If Celtic are looking for a new goalkeeper in the summer when Schmeichel’s contract expires, Ortega could be a really good option on a free transfer.

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