Celtic have lodged an “improved offer” for highly rated Sandefjord defender Zinedin Smajlovic, according to an emerging transfer report that has set the Scottish football landscape alight. The Scottish Premiership champions have significantly stepped up their pursuit of the coveted center-back as they look to secure premium defensive talent during a highly competitive summer transfer window.
On Monday, news outlets in Greece initial speculated that the former Sweden Under-21 international had seen a preliminary approach by the Parkhead club swiftly rejected by his current employers, following initial interest that was reported just the day before. The Nordic side were clear that their valuation had not been met, but the Hoops have chosen to waste no time in testing their resolve with a much more substantial financial package.
Now, established Italian football journalist Rudy Galetti has provided a definitive update on the 22-year-old centre-back’s fluid situation via his official social media account. Taking to X (formerly known as Twitter), the well-connected reporter posted: “Celtic have submitted an improved offer for Zinedin Smajlovic worth €4.5m fixed + €2m in bonuses.” This massive package highlights the club’s absolute determination to win the race for the player.
However, securing his signature will be far from a straightforward task for the Glasgow giants. Galetti additionally noted in his update that “Sandefjord are under no pressure to sell, as Olympiacos, Hull City, Rangers, Fenerbahçe, Toulouse, Feyenoord & Lyon are all closely tracking the CB and have made enquiries.” The immense volume of high-profile interest means the Eliteserien club holds significant leverage in any ongoing negotiations.
The latest development introduces a fascinating, direct Old Firm edge to the ongoing transfer race. Arch-rivals Rangers have been explicitly named among the clubs to have made formal enquiries for the imposing Sandefjord centre-back. With both Glasgow giants actively monitoring his availability, the battle for the player’s signature looks set to intensify as pre-season preparations get underway.
The reported interest from Ibrox comes at a time when newly appointed manager Derek McInnes starts shaping a squad that drastically needs more athleticism, physical presence, and depth. McInnes is looking to overhaul the spine of his team before his first competitive match in charge at Dundee United on July 31, and a young, dynamic defender like Smajlovic fits their summer watchlist perfectly.
Standing at an imposing 6ft 3in, Smajlovic is a modern, left-footed centre-back who originally joined Sandefjord from Swedish side Sandviken. He is currently tied down to a long-term contract in Norway that runs until 2028, meaning his club can demand a premium. His core profile makes him an incredibly attractive prospect: young, physically dominant, and exceptionally comfortable on the ball under pressure.
For Celtic, addressing the heart of the defence has become an absolute priority for the recruitment department ahead of the new campaign. The squad recently saw young defender Benjamin Arthur return to parent club Brentford following the conclusion of his mid-season loan spell up north, leaving a clear vacancy in the first-team squad depth that needs to be filled with quality.
Furthermore, veteran manager Martin O’Neill, who is set to remain firmly in the Parkhead dugout for another grueling season, is acutely aware of the need for reliable defensive insurance. Star defender Cameron Carter-Vickers has suffered from recurring injury problems of late, famously missing a massive chunk of last season due to a ruptured Achilles tendon, which exposed a lack of elite depth behind him.
The Parkhead side are eager to avoid a repeat of those defensive vulnerabilities as they prepare to defend their domestic titles and push deeper into European competition. The recruitment staff had previously targeted a similarly profiled player in Polish centre-back Oskar Wojcik back in the January transfer window, but that bid was ultimately unsuccessful, prompting them to pivot towards Smajlovic.
Initially, Greek outfit Gazzetta.gr claimed that an opening bid of around £3.5 million from both Olympiacos and Celtic had been swiftly thrown out by Sandefjord, with the Nordic club holding out for a fee much closer to £4.3 million. Celtic’s decision to return with a package that could total up to €6.5 million represents a massive statement of intent that shatters that initial asking price.
The key point moving forward for all parties involved is whether the significant volume of named interest will force Celtic to pace the deal even faster, or if rival clubs like Rangers and Olympiacos will match the improved offer. For now, Galetti’s definitive Smajlovic update makes this a live, fast-moving transfer saga that supporters across Scotland will be watching incredibly closely over the coming days.
