On the latest episode of the Celtic Underground Podcast, host Harry Brady was joined by journalist Lawrence Donegan and Antony Murray to discuss the latest goings-on at the club, with a focus on some of the potential transfer business that could happen this summer.
One topic of conversation on the recent episode was Southampton goalkeeper Fraser Forster, and whether he could re-join the Bhoys on a permanent deal in the summer transfer window. The former England international spent this season on loan with Neil Lennon’s side, making 28 appearances in the SPFL, keeping 14 clean sheets in the process (per Transfermarkt).
Here’s what Brady had to say about Celtic’s chances of re-signing the 32-year-old this summer:
“We agreed a deal with Southampton on a year’s loan with an option to buy at the end of the 12 months. That was agreed with Southampton. We picked up the phone to Fraser Forster and said ‘so, you’re coming then?’ ‘Ah, well I quite fancy staying here, actually’ and we were quite taken aback and the two issues are: he thinks he’s got a chance of playing first-team football for Southampton – they’re letting [Angus] Gunn go. Also, [in] the next two years at Southampton, he will earn £9m.”
TIF Thoughts…
Celtic certainly seem keen to bring Forster back to the club on a permanent deal, but from the sounds of things, he is keen to stay with Southampton this summer and fight for a spot in Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side.
Should Celtic start looking elsewhere for a goalkeeper?
Yes
No
With Craig Gordon having already departed Celtic Park, you could argue that if the Englishman isn’t keen to return, then Lennon and his scouting team should begin to look elsewhere for a new first-team goalkeeper, with Scott Bain the only senior ‘keeper listed in their squad at this moment in time.