If a recent transfer update from journalist Alan Nixon on his Patreon account (as cited by The Daily Record) is believed to be true, Celtic are keeping close tabs on Balazs Toth ahead of a potential summer move. They are assessing the goalkeeper market to provide competition for Viljami Sinisalo and have now identified Blackburn Rovers custodian, who would cost in the region of £4m, according to reports.
The 28-year-old Hungarian international progressed through Kazincbarcika, Puskás Akadémia and Fehérvár’s academy ranks before returning to Puskás Akadémia in 2013. After impressing for the reserves, along with a productive loan spell at Csákvár in the second division, he was promoted to PAFC’s first-team squad. Fehérvár snapped him up for €500k in the summer of 2024 but sanctioned a €1.20m transfer to Blackburn a year later.
Despite being the understudy to Aynsley Pears in his first season, Toth eventually succeeded the Englishman following the latter’s ankle strain. He retained the ‘number 1’ spot until a knee injury ruled him out for a couple of months. Soon, the custodian regained his starting status upon returning to action, featuring 35 times last campaign across competitions.
Why Celtic Should Intensify Their Interest In Toth
Meanwhile, the keeper is unwilling to extend his stay at Ewood Park beyond next summer. The Blackburn boss Tony Mowbray has also admitted that they are destined to lose their 2025-26 Players’ Player of the Year.
BLACKBURN, ENGLAND – APRIL 17: Jack Rudoni of Coventry City controls the ball past Balazs Toth of Blackburn Rovers during the Sky Bet Championship match between Blackburn Rovers and Coventry City at Ewood Park on April 17, 2026 in Blackburn, England. (Photo by Lewis Storey/Getty Images)
“What I do know is he’s a wonderful human being; he’s a great guy. I connect on a human level with my players and my goalkeepers. He’s a happy, smiley kid, but I don’t know…I am fully aware that he’s not signing a new contract.
A move north of the border should bring a fresh opportunity for the Hungarian, as he would rather battle for silverware in Scotland than fight for survival in the second tier of English football. Moreover, the excitement of European nights must fascinate him after a difficult Championship season.
Celtic have relied on Viljami Sinisalo, who was promoted as the first choice following Kasper Schmeichel’s shoulder injury earlier this year. The veteran Dane has now retired from professional football, and the Finnish shot-stopper has so far done enough to keep his place between the sticks across competitions.
Although the Bhoys have prioritised high-profile veterans to provide immediate leadership and stability to bridge short-term needs, the strategy seems to have changed, with Toth likely to challenge and cover Sinisalo rather than replace him in the last line of defence.