Celtic’s need to find a new goalkeeper has never been more urgent ever since Joe Hart decided to retire at the end of the season.
The veteran former England international decided to hang up his gloves after a glittering career spanning 20 years has seen Hart lift every domestic trophy on both sides of the border, pick up 75 caps for England and look set to go through the 700 career appearances before the end of this season. [Transfermarkt]
And whilst names like Republic of Ireland international, Caoimhin Kelleher, and Scotland’s keeper, Liam Kelly have done the rounds, we discussed this morning how reports also suggested that Brendan Rodgers has also placed an offer for Turkey international stopper, Ugurcan Kacir.
Celtic told how much Andriy Lunin will cost
Celtic have also been reportedly interested in Real Madrid goalkeeper, Andriy Lunin. [Daily Record] The Ukrainian international has been enjoying a run in the La Liga side’s team and helped Carlo Ancelloti reach the Champions League Final last week.
And whilst Lunin hopes to stake a permanent claim in the Madrid team, a report from Defensa Central has claimed that he could be about to extend his contract which expires in 2025 to 2029 with the Spanish giants. But with a caveat.
The report states, “Madrid could agree to negotiate his exit if Lunin brings a €30m (£25.8m) transfer offer.
“In that case, the club would be willing to negotiate his exit. This would only happen if the Ukrainian goalkeeper sees it impossible to emerge victorious in his competition with Thibaut Courtois.”
So whilst a contract may well be on its way to Lunin, it seems that Courtois is still the number one choice at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Obviously, the transfer fee being quoted is well out of Celtic’s reach so that would effectively end any interest from Parkhead unless a loan move could be negotiated.
So whilst the idea of signing Lunin is very appealing, it looks like Celtic will need to divert their attentions to more affordable targets this summer.
