Express.DE reports that Eric Martel, who is of interest to Celtic, is set to become a free agent after turning down a new deal at FC Koln. It is also reported that the German club is preparing for his departure by considering Silas Andersen as a potential replacement.

Fotomac reports that Celtic is among a group of clubs monitoring Eric Martel. Martel is in the final year of his contract, making him a realistic option in the summer window. It is reported that for Celtic, the interest is at an early stage and is not advanced.

TEAMtalk reported that Parkhead chiefs are preparing a move for Eric Martel, whose contract with FC Koln will expire at the end of the season. The report also stated that Celtic are showing the most notable interest at this time. The possibility of Champions League football could be a way to persuade Martel to move to Parkhead, but staying at FC Koln is currently considered the most likely outcome. If Martel does not sign an extension, Celtic will be able to sign him on a free transfer.

Celtic have identified FC Koln's 23-year-old German defensive midfielder Eric Martel as a target before the summer transfer window. The club is looking for new players for its midfield, where key players have been linked with moves away, and Martel is viewed as someone who could potentially provide support for captain Callum McGregor. Martel, who joined his current club in July 2022, has a contract that runs until June 2026 and has been capped 30 times for Germany's U21 team, scoring three goals. In the 2025/2026 Bundesliga season, he has made 1 appearance, scoring 2 goals and providing 7 assists. His market value is estimated by Transfermarkt to be €8.00m.