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Celtic transfer news as 2 goalkeeping options now off the table and Paulo Bernardo Benfica latest

The champions will have to look elsewhere in their bid to find a replacement for the retired Joe Hart between the sticks.

Dominik Livakovic
Dominik Livakovic(Image: Getty Images)

Reported Celtic target Dominik Livakovic won't be leaving Fenerbahce this summer after a representative of the Croatian stopper came out to deny any talk of a departure.


The 29-year-old is one of several names who have been linked with a move to Parkhead, with boss Brendan Rodgers in desperate need of a new first choice goalkeeper following Joe Hart's retirement at the end of last season. Reports in Turkey had previously claimed that the Hoops had launched a £7.6million bid for Livakovic, who played in all three of Croatia's group games at Euro 2024.


But the player's press advisor Stipo Dubrovac has now quashed any notion that the former Dinamo Zagreb star wants to leave Turkish giants Fenerbahce in this transfer window. Speaking to Turkish outlet ESH, he said: "Livakovic loves Fenerbahce and has a contract until 2028. Livakovic does not want to leave Fenerbahce. The only thing we talk about is his future at Fenerbahce."


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It comes after the Hoops hopes of landing fellow stopper Alex McCarthy were ended after the English keeper opted to pen a new contract at Southampton. The 34-year-old could have left the club for free at the end of his contract on June 30, but has now signed on for two more years after helping Russell Martin's men win promotion back to the English Premier League at the first attempt.

Double-winners Celtic are yet to make any new signings this summer, but are very keen on landing midfielder Paulo Bernardo on a permanent deal. Following some impressive displays during his loan spell from Benfica last season, Celtic initially had the option to purchase the Portugal U21 international for a fee of £6million but are now confident that they can get a deal done for a reduced transfer fee.

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Paulo Bernardo
Paulo Bernardo

Portuguese source Record report that the playmaker will return to pre-season training with Roger Schmidt's first team in Lisbon on July 3, but that talks with the Hoops over a potential transfer will continue.

Reports in Sweden have touted Celtic with a move for Swedish teenager Pontus Dahbo, who enjoyed a breakthrough year in the Allsvenskan with BK Hacken in 2023. The 18-year-old has already accumulated European experience after appearing in the Europa League last season but Record Sport understands that there is not much truth in the rumours.

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