Fraser Forster might be heading back to Southampton in the next few moths, once his loan deal expires. Celtic will no doubt want to keep him but it’s not a forgone conclusion.

Given how influential the shot-stopper has been for the Scottish champions this season, he will take some replacing. Forster is in his fourth spell with the team, after he moved back last August. He has kept 14 clean sheets in the Scottish Premiership this season, which is the joint-highest along with Rangers’ Allan McGregor. 

Neil Lennon is sure to try his best to bring Forster back next season on a permanent or loan deal. If that can’t be done, he will need to have some other options. Here are three ‘keepers who could replace the Englishman in the 2020/21 campaign. 

Vaclav Hladky (St Mirren) 

St Mirren goalie Vaclav Hladky has been exceptional since he arrived in Scotland from Slovan Liberec in the 2019 January transfer window. The Buddies man is expected to leave Paisley when his contract expires this summer, with Celtic thought to be interested in his services along with Rangers. 

If Celtic tell the Czech keeper that he will be their number one choice next season, that could help persuade him to join the Bhoys ahead of Rangers. Hladky may be in goal for Czech Republic at Euro 2020 where his country is 250/1 in the betting online with Betfair. He would prove to be fantastic business for Celtic on a free transfer. 

Joe Hart (Burnley) 

It was not long ago that Joe Hart was starting in goal for Premier League champions Manchester City and England. Over the last couple of years, he has been out on loan in Italy and had spells with West Ham and Burnley. 

Hart is expected to leave Burnley when his contract expires this summer. He has not played much football over the last 12 months, so he may see his future away from the Premier League. 

Given his experience and quality, Lennon could see the 33-year-old as the perfect replacement for Forster if he can tempt the former England number one north of the border. 

Joe Lewis (Aberdeen) 

Aberdeen ‘keeper Joe Lewis has been in Scotland for four seasons now. In that period, he has established himself as one of the best in the league. 

The former Peterborough United and Cardiff City man helped Aberdeen finish runners-up to Celtic in the SPL in the 2016-17 and 2017-18 campaigns. He has also played in three cup finals in that period at the club. 

If Celtic want to strengthen from inside Scotland and, at the same, time hamper one of their rivals, signing Joe Lewis from Aberdeen would make sense. 

The 32-year-old has a number of years left at the top level, therefore, he would not be a short-term fix to the role. A deal would, however, need to be reached with Aberdeen, who are less than likely going to want to sell their goalkeeper. 

Given his connection with the fans, Fraser Forster will be the preference between the sticks next season for Celtic. If he can’t return, expect to see The Hoops fill that position with another player of high quality once again.

Posted on May 4th, 2020 by scott
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