The Celtic goalkeeper hunt rages on, and there has been no shortage of options mentioned in connection with the reigning Scottish Premiership champions.
Newcastle United stopper Martin Dubravka has been extensively linked this window, prompting him to speak out on his future after Slovakia were eliminated from Euro 2024 against England last week.
He stated: “What is the plan for me? What is my future? I don’t know if they (Newcastle) want me to stay or not. It is difficult for me because I have been focused on my job with the national team.”
With the 35-year-old surplus to requirements at St James’ Park, he could be a viable option to replace Joe Hart between the sticks. Sparta Prague’s Peter Vindahl Jensen is said to be in negotiations with Celtic over a deal worth in excess of £4 million.
In total, around 20 stoppers have been reported as targets that the Bhoys are pursuing. At this point, there needs to be a solution as fans grow increasingly frustrated.
Mark Wilson reacts to floated Celtic goalkeeper theory
Options from far and wide have been cited as potential solutions to the Celtic goalkeeper debacle, and former Hoops man Mark Wilson has chipped in with a suggestion of his own who could fit the bill.
Speaking on Clyde 1 Superscoreboard, the 40-year-old reacted to a floated theory involving free agent goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel, a transfer that would re-unite the veteran stopper with Brendan Rodgers. The pair spent three years working together at Leicester City.
He explained: “I quite like that, that’s quite a sensible suggestion. At 37, he’s probably pushing it a wee bit. But still, if he’s kept himself in shape, which you’d like to think he would, he’s been a fantastic goalkeeper throughout the years. The link there, of course, with Brendan Rodgers.
“The stature and experience he’s got, that’s everything you need in a goalkeeper. If you get a year or two years out of him, then great if he does a job for you.
“I’ll go back to it again; I don’t think that with every player you sign has got to be an end goal to get you money. The end goal should be the performances and trophies they help deliver. Joe Hart, you have to say, ticked every box in that.
“Of course, Celtic didn’t get any sell-on from him, but they did get a period of success and stability from a keeper who made mistakes, of course, but more often than not, was there to help the team get over the line in situations when you really needed him. I think you can do worse than him if he’s a free agent.”
Kasper Schmeichel would be an intriguing option for Celtic
Schmeichel has a wealth of experience and also has previously spent time playing in Scotland, so there would be a sliver of familiarity there if it were to be something that did come about.
Last term, he made 32 appearances for Anderlecht across all competitions, conceding 33 times and keeping eight clean sheets [Transfermarkt].
Nevertheless, it would likely be a short-term deal because he is 37. Hart has just retired at that age, making it unlikely that he would be at Parkhead for longer than a year or two.
There isn’t any reported link there. Intriguingly, there was last summer when he was released by Nice, but it is merely a suggestion at this point [Sun]. He would be a quick fix and a handy one at that; regardless, supporters will feel Celtic should be eyeing a younger stopper.