Ermin Mahmic Jetting In? Celtic Could Be Closing In on Their Next Signing As Reo Hatate Set For Exit Door

It feels like Celtic’s transfer window has suddenly gone from quiet to absolutely frantic.

And the latest name to emerge could be another fascinating addition to Martin O’Neill’s midfield.

Ermin Mahmic.

The 21-year-old Bosnia and Herzegovina international is reportedly on his way to Celtic, with the latest rumours suggesting the deal is moving towards its conclusion.

While nothing has been officially confirmed yet, there are certainly plenty of signs that this one could be happening.

Celtic have been strongly linked with Mahmic for more than a week, with reports claiming the club have already held talks with Slovan Liberec.

A World Cup Breakout Star

Mahmic isn’t simply a random name emerging from the European transfer market.

He has already had a remarkable few months.

The 21-year-old scored twice for Bosnia and Herzegovina at this summer’s World Cup, finding the net against Switzerland before scoring again in the victory over Qatar.

That immediately put him on the radar of clubs across Europe.

He also produced seven goals and three assists in 28 league appearances for Slovan Liberec last season.

And now Celtic appear to be pushing to get him.

Could Mahmic Signing Signal The End For Reo Hatate?

The arrival of Ermin Mahmic could also spell the beginning of the end for Reo Hatate at Celtic.

Hatate has been an excellent servant and produced some brilliant moments in green and white, but his Celtic career increasingly feels like it’s approaching a crossroads.

With Celtic already bringing in Mika Baur and now potentially adding Mahmic, while Gvidas Gineitis is also being targeted, Martin O’Neill appears to be rebuilding the midfield.

If Mahmic arrives, it could be another indication that O’Neill is ready to move on from Hatate and build around a younger, more dynamic midfield.

Hatate has given Celtic plenty. Perhaps now it’s time for Celtic to move forward without him.

The Fee Won’t Be Cheap

There is reportedly a significant price attached.

Czech reports have suggested Slovan could be looking for a fee of around £6.8 million, which would make Mahmic potentially the most expensive sale in the history of a Czech club.

Other reports have put the valuation around €8 million.

That’s serious money.

And could signal the end for Reo Hatate.

But it’s also the reality of the market Celtic are trying to operate in.

If you want young international players who have just showcased themselves at a World Cup, you aren’t going to get them for pennies.

Celtic Need to Get Deals Like This Right

There’s something exciting about the potential Mahmic signing.

Celtic aren’t simply shopping for players who have already reached their peak.

They’re trying to identify the next ones.

That’s exactly how the club should be operating.

Find them before their value explodes.

Give them European football.

Develop them.

And potentially turn them into the next major sale.

Of course, there is still a long way to go before we can call Mahmic a Celtic player.

But if the rumours are correct and he really is jetting into Glasgow, then Celtic could be about to add another extremely exciting piece to their midfield rebuild.

After such a frustratingly quiet period earlier in the window, things are moving very quickly now.

Mahmic could be next through the door.