Celtic have ‘joined the race’ for Schmeichel replacement – €5m clause can be used

Celtic are one of the sides showing an interest in Hertha BSC goalkeeper Tjark Ernst, with a battle underway for his signature.

BILD report that the battle for the 23-year-old’s signature is ‘getting more and more exciting’ and Celtic are one of the sides in the mix.

€5m release clause

According to the newspaper, a deal had been settled with Wolfsburg. But now other suitors have entered the picture.

Ajax are one of those named, while Celtic have also ‘joined the race’. Hertha, meanwhile, are working to try and keep him at the club. That’s considered a long shot, though.

That four-way battle is not entering its ‘decisive phase’ as the goalkeeper has a ‘special release clause’.

He is allowed to leave for €5m if the buying club are in one of Europe’s top five leagues or competes in international competitions. There is no deadline for this clause. It can be invoked until the end of the window.

Celtic most attractive

Celtic, and Glasgow, is seen as the most lucrative option for the youngster. They’re looking for a new number one to replace Kasper Schmeichel and can offer Champions League football also. International football would be a ‘certainty’ for him should he make the move to Celtic Park as well.

Hertha won’t give up without a fight, though. They have outlined a long-term plan for him that would see him as number one. And they’re going public with a desire to keep him around too.

“Of course I’d like him to stay with us. But there’s been an enquiry. Tjark now has to make a decision one way or the other,” said manager Stefan Leitl.

“We are the player’s contractual partners. He’s still here,” added manager director Peter Görlich.

“A goalkeeper who exudes such charisma at such a young age naturally attracts interest. But he also knows what he has in us, and the role he can play here. We’ll see what the parties decide. We’re prepared; we won’t be left in the lurch.”