Celtic face Kasper Schmeichel retirement blow; Illan Meslier among three goalkeepers who could replace injured Dane
Below is a summary of the full article. Click here for the full version from Football Insider or go back to LFC Live.
Credit: Imago Wed 18 March 2026 9:51, UK Celtic shot-stopper Kasper Schmeichel has confirmed that his career at Parkhead is likely to come to an end this summer.The goalkeeper is facing 10-12 months on the injury table due to problems stemming from a dislocated shoulder suffered last year. He has been missing from the Celtic squad since February after confirming that he would need four to six weeks to recover from the latest knock.But speaking on Tuesday night, Schmeichel confirmed that, after visiting a specialist, he may have played the last game of his professional career.
A goalkeeper certainly will feature in Celtic’s transfer plans this summer, and Football Insider has suggested three that they may explore moves for. 🔄 Celtic Transfer Update 🔄 Breaking news on latest signings, departures, and contract news from the Parkhead boardroom. VISIT THE CELTIC TRANSFER HUB MORE FOOTBALL INSIDER STORIES Illan Meslier – Leeds UnitedFootball Insider exclusively revealed in February that Meslier will leave Leeds United this summer after failing to make a single senior appearance this season.The Frenchman had been the number one for the majority of the last campaign, but lost his position to Karl Darlow after several mistakes.
Target Profile Contract Status Key Attribute Illan Meslier (26) Free Agent (Summer 2026) Elite Shot-Stopping / Youth Stefan Ortega (33) Free Agent (Summer 2026) Distribution / Experience Aleksander Bobek (21) Free Agent (Summer 2026) High Potential / Resale Value The Whites signed Lucas Perri from Lyon in the summer and he was expected to be their number one, but he has also lost his place in recent months.Credit: ImagoIt was not long ago that Meslier, 26, was starting week in, week out in the Premier League and catching the eyes of Europe’s biggest clubs.He will be a free agent in the summer and could be an ideal candidate to replace Schmeichel.Stefan Ortega – Nottingham Forest Ortega joined Nottingham Forest in January, signing a deal until the end of the season after three and a half years at Manchester City.The 33-year-old enjoyed a strong stint with the Citizens, playing 56 games and winning the Premier League twice.“I could’ve potentially played my last football game.”Our guest reporter Kasper Schmeichel reveals that he has dislocated his shoulder, and torn his bicep, rotator cuff and labrum. The Dane opens up about requiring two surgeries that will keep him out for 10 to 12 months. pic.twitter.com/75fskUSAd2— CBS Sports Golazo ⚽️ (@CBSSportsGolazo) March 17, 2026 View Tweet While a back-up for much of his time at the Etihad Stadium, Ortega did enjoy brief periods as the number one.His save to deny Son Heung-min in the penultimate game of the 2023-24 season likely won Man City the Premier League.The German is currently injured for Nottingham Forest, but will be a free agent in the summer and available for a potential move to Celtic.Aleksander Bobek – LKS LodzIf it’s talent and potential Celtic are looking for, then they should look no further than 21-year-old Aleksander Bobek.The Poland youth international’s contract also expires in the summer, though he continues to start every game for LKS Lodz.