Celtic are keen on bringing Dinamo Zagreb’s Scott McKenna to Celtic Park. Martin O’Neill’s side have started working on a potential deal for the summer.
The Scotland international graduated from Aberdeen’s academy and spent six years with their first team before leaving for Nottingham Forest in 2020.
Celtic want to bring the centre-back back to the Scottish Premiership after this season.
McKenna left the Premier League side as a free agent and moved to UD Las Palmas in August 2024. The defender said he was unhappy not to end his time at the City Ground on a positive note.
Las Palmas released him at the end of last season, allowing the Croatian club to sign the 29-year-old for free in July 2025.
Celtic determined to sign player
His performances have already caught Celtic’s attention. Martin O’Neill’s side have sent scouts to Croatia to watch Scott McKenna live in action for Dinamo Zagreb.
That’s according to Sportske Novosti, who state Celtic officials have already watched him on four occasions.
Dinamo Zagreb are hopeful the former Aberdeen man will be fit on time for the cup final against Rijeka on May 13th. Behind the scenes, Celtic remain keen on securing his services.
O’Neill’s side are ‘very interested’ and want the player in their squad next season. The Croatian club haven’t set a price for the Scottish centre-back so far.
McKenna has become one of the key figures in Dinamo Zagreb’s defence. However, it will not be a problem for him to move elsewhere if there’s a great opportunity.
There’s no clarity whether Celtic will be successful in their efforts to bring him back to Scotland. However, the ‘story has very serious foundations’, meaning O’Neill’s side have laid groundwork for a summer deal.
Contract, stats, value and agent info
Scott McKenna played 3,126 minutes from 42 matches for Dinamo Zagreb this season.
His contract expires in 2029, and Transfermarkt value him at €4m. The highest value was €10m in November 2022, when he was at Nottingham Forest.
The Croatian club will make profit from his sale. Agency The.Team are representing the player desired by Celtic.
