Celtic are reportedly setting their sights on bolstering their goalkeeping department, with 23-year-old Austrian shot-stopper Nikolas Polster emerging as a prime summer target. According to recent reports, the Scottish giants are far from alone in the race, facing stiff competition from Premier League sides Wolves, Brentford, and Brighton, as well as French club Saint-Étienne.
Polster, a former youth international for Austria, has carved out an impressive path through the Austrian football system. He began his journey at Rapid Wien's academy before moving to LASK on a free transfer. To gain valuable first-team experience, he was sent on loan spells at Juniors OÖ, Vorwärts Steyr, and Horn, where he honed his craft between the posts.
In the summer of 2024, Wolfsberger AC invested €500k to secure his services, immediately installing him as their number one. Polster quickly repaid that faith, playing a pivotal role in their 2024–25 Austrian Cup triumph and continuing to be a key figure as his side battles for survival in the Austrian Bundesliga. With 66 appearances across all competitions for Wolfsberger, the young custodian is now eyeing the next step in his career abroad.
While a move to Wolves could offer him the chance to claim the starting spot at Molineux, their recent relegation from the Premier League might give Celtic an edge. The Hoops can offer European football and a chance to compete for silverware on a consistent basis—a compelling proposition for any ambitious young player.
Celtic, still chasing a domestic double, are already planning for life after their current management setup. The club has endured a couple of challenging transfer windows and needs to strengthen significantly. The situation in goal has become more urgent following Kasper Schmeichel's shoulder injury, which has left them short-handed. Although Viljami Sinisalo has stepped up admirably, adding Polster to the mix would provide healthy competition and reliable cover for the Finnish keeper.
Polster, who idolizes Atletico Madrid's Jan Oblak, is widely regarded for his exceptional shot-stopping abilities. His reflexes and command of the box make him a promising prospect for any club looking to secure a long-term solution between the sticks. For Celtic fans, the thought of a young, hungry keeper learning his trade at Parkhead while competing for trophies is an exciting one indeed.
