The Parkhead No. 1 has struggled for form this season and could even be replaced in this January transfer window
07:48, 08 Jan 2026Updated 08:49, 08 Jan 2026
Content cannot be displayed without consent
Chris Sutton has urged Celtic to find a January replacement for Kasper Schmeichel as he branded the out-of-form goalkeeper “slightly heavy”.
The Parkhead hero reckons a new No. 1 and a striker are essential for Martin O’Neill this month as he looks to steer the champions to a Scottish Premiership defence. Celtic No. 1 Schmeichel has faced growing criticism amid a disappointing campaign for the Hoops.
After his Scottish Cup Final clanger against Aberdeen last May the 39-year-old has failed to show his best from this term. Last week, blunders in the defeats to Motherwell and Rangers have seen some fans reach breaking point with the Premier League winning shot-stopper.
After his clanger against the Light Blues, the veteran was booed by his own supporters and Sutton insists it is now time for the club to bring in a new goalkeeper. The Record Sport columnist told the Warm Up: “I think a must is a new goalkeeper.
“I think Kasper Schmeichel has had an unbelievable career, an incredible career, and he has been an outstanding goalkeeper, but this season he just hasn’t been the same. He looks big, he looks slightly heavy, and he is a problem for Celtic.”
The Hoops have been touted with a potential move for Manchester City goalkeeper Stefan Ortega this month – and the German goalkeeper now looks to be inching towards the Etihad exit door.
(Image: AFP via Getty Images)
Gianluigi Donnarumma is City’s first-choice with James Trafford acting as cover as Ortega nears the end of his contract with the Premier League heavyweights.
It is claimed that Celtic have “monitored” the 33-year-old as the Glasgow giants consider a summer move on a free transfer.
However, The Athletic claim Ortega is currently having “explorative talks” with several clubs, and should a suitable offer arrive, the German could leave this month rather than in the summer when his contract ends.
As it stands, O’Neill has three goalkeepers to choose from. Behind Schmeichel, Finland international Viljami Sinisalo has made just three appearances this season – with two coming in the Premier Sports Cup – while summer recruit Ross Doohan has yet to receive any minutes.
Follow Record Sport on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram for all of the up-to-the minute breaking news, video and audio on the SPFL, the Scotland national team and beyond.
You can get all the news you need on our dedicated Celtic page and sign up to our newsletters to make sure you never miss a beat throughout the season.
Tune in to Hotline Live every Sunday to Thursday and have your say on the biggest issues in Scottish football and listen to Record Sport’s newest podcast, Game On, every Friday for your sporting fix, all in bitesize chunks.