Celtic assistant John Kennedy has given some insight regarding the Bhoys’ hunt for a new goalkeeper to replace Joe Hart.
Despite several names being linked, such as Newcastle United veteran Martin Dubravka, Sparta Prague’s Peter Vindahl Jensen and Bournemouth’s Mark Travers, it still isn’t clearcut who the new number one at Parkhead will be.
Scott Bain and Benjamin Siegrist are the senior options on the books at Celtic; however, neither is expected to be first-choice moving into this campaign, amplifying the need for fresh blood in a key position.
With the Hoops now funnelling back for pre-season, John Kennedy has issued an update on the search for a new stopper at the club.
John Kennedy discusses Celtic’s search for a new goalkeeper
Speaking to Sky Sports, Celtic assistant John Kennedy has signalled that the club want to get a new goalkeeper nailed down as soon as possible and hope to have some news on that front in the coming weeks.
He stated: “I think the club are working hard on that. Some targets have been identified and we’ve been working on that in the background. It’s a key position for us; we know it’s a position we need to get in. We want to do that as soon as we can, so hopefully, in the coming weeks, we can have some news on that.
“There are obviously some challenges in terms of the negotiations that will take place. But ultimately, we know it’s a key position for us. We want to get the key positions in as quickly as we can, so we get to work with them, and the manager and the board are working hard on that.”
On the face of it, it is refreshing to hear that the club are trying to conclude business in the goalkeeper position. Arguably the main priority of the summer, it is imperative Celtic find a competent figure to marshall the defence ahead of the new campaign.
From the supporters’ perspective, it feels frustrating that there no indication of who may come in. Of course, negotiations aren’t done overnight, but with the new Scottish Premiership campaign starting in just over a month, it would be nice to see an end to the question on everyone’s lips.
There are several mitigating factors as to why nobody has arrived yet. Euro 2024 and Copa America are ongoing, which may have contributed to the hold-up; nevertheless, there is still work to be done.
Pre-season is now underway, and the next couple of weeks would be the perfect opportunity to introduce a new man into the fold, giving him as much time as possible to become familiar with Celtic’s defensive framework.