Hertha Berlin have publicly addressed the future of goalkeeper Tjark Ernst, with Hertha coach Stefan Leitl effectively placing the decision in the player's hands – a stance that keeps the door firmly open for Celtic as the summer window accelerates.Reports from the German press, including Berliner Zeitung, indicate that the coming days are expected to be decisive, with Leitl quoted as leaving the choice to Ernst himself rather than issuing any firm retention message from the club.
The context here matters. with Champions League qualifying looming and recruitment identified as critical , Celtic need goalkeeper business resolved early. Hertha's public positioning – effectively signalling they will facilitate a sale at the right price – is exactly the kind of green light that clarifies a negotiating landscape.
Ernst is a former Germany U21 international who spent last season in the Bundesliga 2, and Hertha's valuation has been consistently reported around €5 million– roughly £4 million – which is a manageable figure for a club that has shown it can act decisively when the profile fits. His contract runs until 2027, though reports suggest a structured exit condition becomes relevant in summer 2026, meaning Hertha have both leverage and incentive to move now rather than enter next summer in a weakened position.
Wolfsburg remain the frontrunner according to German outlets, with reports suggesting the Bundesliga side are largely in agreement with Hertha on the fee. The critical caveat is that Ernst himself has not yet committed, which is precisely why Celtic, Ajax and Feyenoord remain live options. It is worth noting that Wolfsburg had already tried and failed to land Ernst on loan during the winter window after Kamil Grabara's injury – Hertha rejected that approach – so this is a relationship that has had friction in it.
If Wolfsburg pivot to alternatives such as Stefan Ortega or Michael Zetterer, the race changes shape entirely. Celtic would be well-placed to move. The asking price is not prohibitive, the player's profile – commanding, with international youth experience – fits the brief, and Hertha are openly in restructuring mode after a difficult campaign. This has the look of a deal that will happen quickly once a decision is made.
The transfer window dynamic here is familiar. As we saw with the Arne Engels situation , valuation and timing are everything when a selling club signals openness. Hertha have done exactly that with Ernst. Whether we move fast enough to beat the Bundesliga money is now the question.
Watch this space closely over the next few days. Mon The Hoops.
