Australian goalkeeper Mat Ryan has admitted that Celtic never made an offer for his services. The goalkeeper signed for La Liga side Real Sociedad on a permanent deal after it became clear that he would be a second choice at Brighton under Graham Potter.
Speaking to Sporting News Australia, Ryan admitted that there was speculation but nothing materialised, which allowed Sociedad to sell their new project to the goalkeeper.
“It was never a concrete option, obviously there was a lot of speculation in the media about it.
“The timing of it all, Ange had just arrived there and I think he was taking a look at his squad and all that.
“It never eventuated into anything so at that time Real came along, expressed an interest and we really liked the project that was being described to us.”
Postecoglou and Ryan worked together with the Australian National Team and the 55-year-old was said to be considering a move for Ryan before he arrived in Glasgow. Postecoglou made him his No.1 with Australia and they enjoyed success, winning the Asia Cup and qualifying for the Confederations Cup and 2018 World Cup. The pair clearly know each other well and a move for Ryan made sense given Celtic’s goalkeeping woes from last season. Although, no offer was made and Ryan moved to the Basque club.
Postecoglou looked as if he would afford another chance at becoming No.1 to Greek Internationalist Vasilis Barkas, but after pre-season and a number of clangers by Scott Bain and Barkas, Postecoglou was forced to sign Joe Hart on a three-year deal.
Ryan represented a good option but circumstances probably stalled the possibility of a deal actually taking place. Celtic are still in the middle of a large turnover of players at the club but there are signs that the team is beginning to take shape in Ange’s image which bodes well for the future.
