It seems there is an ever-changing story on Fraser Forster this summer. The goalkeeper enjoyed a tremendous season on loan at Parkhead and returned to playing regular football at the highest level for the first time in a few years. It’s no secret that the Englishman would like to continue playing regularly, having made his money down south and eventually falling out of favour at Southampton.
In recent days, Forster has been linked with Chelsea, whilst Southampton have reportedly set their price for him. The signing for Celtic was thrown into doubt. Many fans feel this is the key capture to make this summer, and a step closer to 10 in a row. With that in mind, Chris Sutton’s comments should ease any angst.
Speaking to The Daily Record, Sutton said: “Forster is wanted by clubs in England and there is talk of him being a target for a top-four outfit, but there’s no way he’d be replacing the guys between the sticks at those clubs. He’d be a back-up keeper and, having wasted almost two years of his career on a bench at Southampton, does he really need to be doing that again at this stage of his life?”
Sutton continued by explaining why the move makes perfect sense for the keeper, over a transfer to one of England’s big four. “Forster is hardly going to tell his Grandkids about the day he was wearing a trackie while getting a Champions League medal. Or tell them about the save me made against Stoke’s Under-23 side on a Tuesday night. Big games and big pressure at Celtic brings out the best in him and he’ll sign if Celtic stump up the goods. I’m sure of it.”
Often, Celtic wouldn’t have a chance of competing with Chelsea for a player. However, the fact that Forster has been in England on high wages and wasted much of his career on the sidelines, he will look at things from a different perspective. Craig Gordon did exactly that, opting to stay at Celtic as first choice keeper at the time, rather than joining Chelsea as a third choice option. Gordon had made his money in the Premiership and was still on a good buck at Celtic Park. Playing time meant more to him having been out of the game for so long.
Forster’s story is a similar one. Let’s hope Celtic can get the deal over the line.
