Celtic eyes Hertha BSC keeper Tjark Ernst with ~€5m clause

Celtic are reportedly interested in signing Hertha BSC goalkeeper Tjark Ernst, as European clubs increasingly track the 23-year-old. The player’s reported release clause is around €5 million, suggesting the negotiations could be swift if talks begin. Tjark Ernst’s breakout 2025/26 season helped raise his market profile. He made 37 appearances for Hertha BSC in Germany’s 2. Bundesliga and recorded 12 clean sheets. At 1.93 meters, his physical profile and performances have attracted attention beyond Scotland. Ernst’s contract runs until June 30, 2027, after Hertha extended it in September 2024. He is a former VfL Bochum youth product and previously represented Germany at U21 level. Celtic are not alone. Ajax and VfL Wolfsburg have also been linked with Tjark Ernst, while earlier in 2026 (around April) SC Freiburg, FC Augsburg, Mainz 05 and Hamburger SV were also reported to monitor his situation. For Hertha BSC, competing in the 2. Bundesliga and facing multiple suitors could reduce leverage, making a summer sale more plausible.