Neil McCann explained that with Sam Morrow handling much of the recruitment, German goalkeeper Nico Mantl, 26, was proposed to Kilmarnock after the club identified a need for a new goalkeeper following Dave Richards' situation. McCann stated that the club spent time looking at Mantl but was not in a position to watch him play live, so they had to rely on their instinct and take a risk on the signing. Based on what he has seen, McCann considers Mantl to be a very good goalkeeper with a great character. The manager told the player he had an opportunity to join a brilliant league and that Kilmarnock's style of football would suit him. However, McCann offered no guarantees, clarifying that Calum Ferrie currently has the starting spot. McCann believes it is a challenge Mantl will want to accept and that the keeper feels Scottish football might suit his game. The former Germany U21 international, who has four caps, signed a contract until 30/06/2027 and has a current Transfermarkt market value of €600k. Before his move to Scotland, Juventus had been linked with the keeper.