Gladbach Enters Race for Tjark Ernst as Celtic Pursues Hertha Goalkeeper

The summer transfer window continues to heat up with Borussia Mönchengladbach emerging as a significant contender for Hertha Berlin's promising goalkeeper, Tjark Ernst. This development places Gladbach in direct competition with Scottish champions Celtic, who have also expressed serious interest in the 23-year-old.

Ernst, a German U21 international, has been a consistent presence for Hertha Berlin since his arrival in 2022, accumulating 97 first-team appearances across all competitions. His impressive performances, including missing only one league game last season as Hertha finished seventh in the 2. BundesligaCompetition·Bundesliga, have attracted attention from across Europe.

Borussia Mönchengladbach's entry into the race is reportedly driven by the potential departure of their current number one, Moritz NicolasPlayer·Moritz Nicolas. Nicolas is a reported £12 million target for clubs in England and Spain, prompting Gladbach to identify Ernst as a suitable replacement to maintain their goalkeeping strength. The club finished the 2025/26 BundesligaCompetition·Bundesliga season in 12th place, with Eugen Polanski taking over as head coach permanently in November 2025.

Meanwhile, Celtic's interest stems from the retirement of veteran goalkeeper Kasper SchmeichelPlayer·Kasper Schmeichel. While Viljami SinisaloPlayer·Viljami Sinisalo stepped up during Schmeichel's injury last season and Ross DoohanPlayer·Ross Doohan was signed as a third-choice option, Celtic is actively seeking an experienced, high-calibre goalkeeper. Ernst, despite his youth, fits this profile, and Celtic has reportedly made their intentions clear to Hertha Berlin and Ernst's representatives. The Scottish Premiership champions enjoyed a successful 2025/26 campaign, securing first place with 82 points and qualifying for the 2026-2027 Champions LeagueCompetition·Champions League play-off round, in addition to winning the Scottish Cup. Martin O'Neill assumed managerial duties in January 2026.

A key factor in the transfer saga is Ernst's reported £4 million (approximately €5 million) release clause. This clause is active for clubs competing in top-five European leagues or those participating in European competitions, making both Gladbach and Celtic viable options. Hertha Berlin's manager, Stefan LeitlCoach·Stefan Leitl, has acknowledged the multiple offers for Ernst, expressing a desire for him to remain with the club while also preparing for his potential departure. Sports director Peter GorlichCoach·Peter Gorlich also conceded significant interest in the keeper.

The competition for Ernst's signature extends beyond Gladbach and Celtic. Other prominent clubs linked with the goalkeeper include VfL Wolfsburg, AjaxTeam·Ajax, and FeyenoordTeam·Feyenoord. FeyenoordTeam·Feyenoord was initially reported to be at the forefront, with suggestions that they had met the release clause and that Ernst was keen on a move to Rotterdam. However, more recent reports clarify that no club, including FeyenoordTeam·Feyenoord, had officially triggered the release clause as of July 3, 2026. VfL Wolfsburg had also reportedly been in talks with Hertha, but Ernst seemingly declined a move to the recently relegated club.

As the transfer window progresses, all eyes will be on Tjark Ernst's decision, which is expected soon, as he weighs his options between a move to the BundesligaCompetition·Bundesliga, the Scottish Premiership, or potentially other European leagues.