The timing makes sense. Celtic are heading into a huge European week against LASK, and recruitment at this stage is usually about sharpening options rather than rebuilding from scratch. Mahmic appears to fit that brief: young, attack-minded and seemingly capable of adding energy between the lines.
Reports suggest Martin O’Neill is still refining the squad for both domestic and continental demands. After an active summer, Celtic do not look like a team standing still. They have already invested heavily, and the departure of Arne Engels is said to have created room to act again if the right opportunity emerges.
Mahmic’s absence from Slovan Liberec’s 1-1 draw with Slavia Prague has only fuelled the noise, especially as it came after his return to fitness. Still, that should not be mistaken for confirmation.
Fodrek’s message was deliberately cautious. “He is training with the team, but it is hard to say how it will end up,” the Slovan Liberec manager said. In other words: talks may be ongoing somewhere, but the selling club are keeping their leverage and their options.
Mahmic’s reputation appears to have grown over the summer, particularly after catching attention on the international stage with Bosnia and Herzegovina. For Celtic, that kind of trajectory is familiar: buy talent before the price climbs again.
The next clue will come quickly. If Celtic press ahead before the LASK play-off, it will say plenty about how urgently they view Mahmic as part of the next phase of the squad. If not, this may drift into the final stretch of the window - and become one to watch right to the deadline.