Blackburn Rovers are expected to sweat throughout the winter transfer window, as Celtic continue to pursue star goalkeeper Balazs Toth.

Tony Mowbray’s side has outperformed expectations in the early stages of the 2026/27 Championship season, sitting in tenth place with only four defeats from their first four games despite being widely predicted to be relegated before the season began.

It remains to be seen whether that direction of travel can be sustained with what many Blackburn fans believe to be a thin and reasonably-limited squad with limited financial resources to bolster it, but what is clear is that Rovers’ recent upward trend could be undone by any potential departure for Toth once the new year arrives.

Blackburn Rovers face persistent Celtic and Balazs Toth transfer danger.

It’s well documented that Celtic had a strong interest in luring the shot-stopper away from Ewood Park in the summer, but while Blackburn were able to keep him, they may not be so lucky come the new year.

That’s because, according to a new Football Insider report, the Scottish giants are still keeping an eye on Toth ahead of another attempt in January.

Toth, who joined Blackburn from his native Hungary in the summer of 2024, is about to have his contract with the Championship club expire at the end of the current season, which puts Rovers in a difficult position.

The 29-year-old’s chances of signing new terms appear slim at the moment, with Football Insider reporting that he has recently turned down many contract offers.

Indeed, Toth was allegedly open to a move to Celtic last summer, which did not materialise but may happen again, and current speculation suggests that outcome is becoming more plausible.

Balazs Toth’s Blackburn Rovers departure is likely, as Celtic look

The aforementioned report contains several information that will be difficult reading for Blackburn fans, who may now be bracing themselves for Toth’s impending exit in the new year.

According to reports, the door is open for the excellent goalkeeper to depart Lancashire in January, with Celtic’s long-standing interest bolstered by the ability to purchase him at a lower price than Rovers’ £4 million summer asking price due to his contractual condition.

Blackburn, understandably, do not want to lose Toth for nothing, but the desire to collect at least some form of money in the market means that, given his own stance, it’s difficult to see the 11-cap Hungarian international being in Mowbray’s camp after January.

Balazs Toth’s 26/27 Championship stats with Blackburn Rovers via FotMob are as of October 21.

Appearances

8

Goals conceded.

12

Clean sheets.

1

Goals were averted.

0.75

xGOT faces

12.7

Shots faced

33

Saves

22

Save %.

64.7%

Other teams have been linked, but Celtic appear to be the strongest admirer and have been for some time, which means Martin O’Neill may be licking his lips right now.

Balazs Toth’s exit would be a significant blow to Blackburn Rovers.

There is a reason why Blackburn has prevented Toth’s prospective summer exit despite his contract expiring, and that is because the Hungarian will be incredibly difficult to replace.

He was one of the best goalkeepers in the Championship last season, and he played a key role in his team’s survival under Michael O’Neill.

Toth may not have reached the same standards yet, but his early-season performances at Ewood Park have boosted his prospects of joining Celtic.

Most notably, Toth earned headlines for his outstanding shot-stopping performance in Blackburn’s 1-0 victory over Bristol City earlier this month, making seven saves and keeping a clean sheet despite an xGOT of 2.56.

With a body of work to augment availability at a low price, it’s no wonder that the vultures are circling, and developments would now indicate that it’s a matter of who will win the race, rather than whether anyone can.