Celtic have rekindled their interest in Go Ahead Eagles goalkeeper Jari de Busser following the unexpected retirement of Kasper Schmeichel, according to reports from The Herald. Schmeichel, 39, announced his departure from professional football on Monday, bringing an end to a career hampered by a persistent shoulder injury.
The Danish international joined Celtic in 2024, making 88 appearances for the Scottish club, but struggled with fitness issues in the recent season. He initially sustained a shoulder injury in March 2025, which was further aggravated during a match against Stuttgart in February, ultimately proving to be his final appearance. Schmeichel stated that medical experts advised him against continuing his career at the highest level.
Celtic turned to Viljami Sinisalo during Schmeichel’s absence, but the club are now seeking a permanent replacement to fill the void left by the veteran goalkeeper’s retirement. De Busser, 26, was previously linked with a move to Celtic in January and remains a target for the Scottish champions.
The Belgian goalkeeper is entering the final year of his contract with Go Ahead Eagles, making him potentially available for a fee of around €3 million. This situation presents Celtic with an opportunity to secure a long-term solution in goal. De Busser has established himself as a key player for the Dutch side, and his age and contract status make him an attractive option for Celtic’s recruitment team.
Schmeichel expressed his disappointment at not being able to have a proper farewell match but reflected positively on his career. He acknowledged the opportunities he had been given and expressed gratitude for his experiences in the game. The immediate focus for Celtic, however, is on finding a suitable replacement, and De Busser appears to be at the top of their list. Securing De Busser would provide competition and depth in the goalkeeping position for the upcoming season and beyond.
