Celtic intensifies transfer talks for Smajlovic and Saracchi

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 22, 2026, 7:03 AM

Last updated Jun 22, 2026

Celtic intensifies transfer talks for Smajlovic and Saracchi

Summary

Celtic has had a £3.5m bid for centre-back Zinedin Smajlovic rejected by Sandefjord, who demand closer to £4.3m. Concurrently, Celtic is engaging in discussions with Boca Juniors about permanently signing Marcelo Saracchi, following his loan spell after being deemed surplus to requirements by his current coach. Meanwhile, potential target Soufiane El-Faouzi is expected to sign a new contract with Schalke that runs until 2030. Celtic's pre-season training begins this Friday with around 21 players expected back, while others are participating in the World Cup.

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Key Details

•Celtic's £3.5m bid for Smajlovic rejected by Sandefjord.
•Celtic aims for a permanent deal for Saracchi after his loan.
•Soufiane El-Faouzi likely to stay at Schalke with a new contract.
•Celtic's pre-season training begins Friday with around 21 players.

Latest Updates

7:03 AMYahoo Sports — Celtic move for defenders Smajlovic & Saracchi - gossip

What they're saying

"
Celtic and Olympiacos have had bids of £3.5m for centre-back Zinedin Smajlovic rejected by Sandefjord, who want closer to £4.3m for the 22-year-old. Meanwhile, Celtic are set to intensify talks with Boca Juniors over a permanent deal for Marcelo Saracchi after the 28-year-old left-back was told by head coach Rodolfo Arruabarrena he is not in his plans after his loan to the Scottish champions. Reported Celtic transfer target Soufiane El-Faouzi is poised to sign a new contract with Schalke until 2030 that will hand the 23-year-old midfielder an annual salary of nearly £1m.
— Yahoo Sports

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