Celtic are reportedly eyeing a summer move to strengthen their backline, with 22-year-old centre-half Zinedin Smajlovic emerging as a prime target. According to The Daily Record, the Hoops face stiff competition from French side Toulouse and Norwegian outfit Bodø/Glimt for the Sandefjord defender's signature.

Smajlovic's journey to this point has been anything but straightforward. The former Sweden youth international came through the ranks at AIK, FC Djursholm, IFK Stocksund, IK Frej, and IF Brommapojkarna before making his senior debut at Täby FK. A move to Serie A side Lecce in July 2023 for around €100k seemed like a dream step up, but game time proved elusive in Italy. A brief loan stint at second-tier Lecco didn't change his fortunes, and he eventually terminated his contract by mutual consent to return home and rebuild his career with Sandvikens.

That revival caught the eye of Norwegian club Sandefjord, who brought him in ahead of the 2025 Eliteserien season. Smajlovic made an immediate impact, helping the Whalers secure a fifth-place finish. Standing out with his ball-playing ability, physical presence, aerial dominance, and threat from set-pieces, he's everything a modern centre-half should be. He's started every league game this campaign and, despite being under contract until December 2028, has reportedly left the door open for a new challenge if the right offer comes along.

For Celtic, this is a move that makes perfect sense. The club is heading into a summer of transition, with a new manager set to take the reins and a squad rebuild long overdue after a couple of disappointing transfer windows. The board can't afford to repeat the mistakes of the past by leaving business late. Securing a young, hungry, and proven talent like Smajlovic early would signal intent—and give the Hoops the defensive foundation they need to get back on track.