If goalkeeper is an area of the squad Celtic intend to address this summer it would be surprising, after all there are probably more areas of the team that need prioritising before we consider another option between the sticks.
Most transfer rumours this window have revolved around left back, central defence, the centre of midfield and in attack – and those positions make a lot of sense to target.
Assuming Celtic are likely to sign less quantity and more quality in this window it’s hard to see more than five players arriving at the club this summer, though even that number possibly depends on how proficient Michael Nicholson is in relieving the club of the spectre of transfer windows past, and the hefty wages hanging around the club’s neck and being paid out to the likes of Albian Ajeti, Vasilis Barkas, Boli Bolingoli and Christopher Julien.
As such today’s links with Bosnian International ‘keeper Nikola Vasilj would appear unlikely.
Vasilj is reported to be interesting West Brom and Celtic, but it’s more likely the West Midlands would be the destination for Vaslij rather than the east end of Glasgow, and even if Celtic’s interest in a goalkeeper was genuine this one simply seems something of a carbon copy of Joe Hart, in that he’s a good shot stopper from distance and in one on ones, but his weaknesses lie in dealing with cross balls and making anything more than short passes from defence. And I think we have that covered with Joe Hart.
Celtic also have Conor Hazard and Ross Doohan out on loan at HJK Helsinki and Tranmere Rovers respectively as well as having Barkas as a third choice ‘keeper behind Scott Bain, who recently signed a new contract, likely indicating the manager doesn’t intend to visit that position anytime soon. And with Tobi Oluwayemi a player the club are keen to offer a clear pathway too in the next couple of seasons the need for any goalkeeping cover seems some way off.
There is little doubt Celtic would benefit from a goalkeeper who can distribute the ball more quickly and with more accuracy than Joe Hart long-term, but we signed two of those in both Vasilis Barkas and Scott Bain in recent years and the payoff seems to include a lack of handling the basics of any goalkeeper, namely keeping the ball out the net.
If Celtic intend to address that issue in the future it is likely to be next season after we’ve got a few off the books and the budget can be used significantly to target a goalkeeper with an ability to pass accurately from the back and be proficient in the basic shot stopping requirements, as well as being able to compete with Joe Hart and not simply offer a role as a back-up, as we’ve plenty of those already.
To get someone suitable may require a significant outlay and it appears Ange Postecoglou’s priorities lie elsewhere for now, and it’s difficult to argue that. With Joe Hart doing so well at Celtic the goalkeeping can could easily be kicked down the road and revisited in future transfer windows when a more significant sum from the transfer budget can be allocated.
Niall J
FATHER’S DAY IS ON SUNDAY 19 JUNE. THIS YEAR, WHY NOT MAKE IT TWICE AS GOOD?
Mention the name Harry Hood and it evokes memories of a wonderful footballer in a glorious era, most notably at Celtic, his boyhood club. Wearing those magical, unspoilt green and white Hoops.
Of the chants which rang out as he scored vital goals for Celtic, against the giants of European football under those massive lights in Glasgow’s east end, in the intensity of the city’s fierce derbies or major cup finals before six-figure crowds. Moments which created history.
Skilful, intelligent and classy, with 125 goals and over 300 games for Celtic in that post-Lisbon era, where the Lions and Quality Street Gang merged with Jock Stein’s astute signings to keep the Hoops at the summit of European football. A key man in an incredible team, some of whom pay tribute to Harry in this, his official biography.
Oh Harry, Harry! He did it all and your dad probably loved him.
Listen to the specially recorded version of the Harry Hood song from the 1970s by the wonderful Boolavogue…
Here’s the shirts worn by Harry and some copies of Matt Corr’s brilliant official biography Harry Hood – Twice as Good…
HERE’S WHERE YOU CAN ORDER YOUR COPY OF HARRY HOOD -TWICE AS GOOD, DIRECT FROM THE CELTIC STAR…
AND HERE’S THE T-SHIRT WE’LL SEND YOU ABSOLUTELY FREE OF CHARGE WHEN YOU ORDER A COPY OF HARRY HOOD TWICE AS GOOD. JUST TELL US THE SIZE REQUIRED IN THE NOTES SECTION WHEN ORDERING. CHOOSE FROM SMALL, MEDIUM, LARGE, XL OR XXL…
