Over a years worth of speculation was put to rest this weekend when Fraser Forster finally left Celtic for Premiership outfit Southampton. Many suspected it was only a matter of time as the big Geordie wanted a new challenge, which he has now got.
However where does that leave Celtic?
Well it leaves us with a wad of cash, even after the 12.5% profit has been given to Newcastle United. But are we going to get a better goalie if we were to use all that cash? The answer is, probably not.
Knowing Forster would no doubt leave this summer, Celtic were quick to engage the services of former Hearts and Sunderland goalkeeper Craig Gordon. A man who has been out of top flight, or even any competitive football for over two years.
The former £9 million man had very bad luck down south, during his time with the Black Cats, he twice broke an arm and was eventually released by the club in 2012 while recovering from the knee injury which has only lately come through.
The goalkeeper has not been able to maintain any sort of fitness for a long time now, which puts doubts whether he can come in and hold down that no.1 jersey for any length of time.
I don’t think anyone doubts the Scots abilities between the sticks. He is the type of keeper who can make match winning saves when called upon but will he still have this in the tank? Celtic’s hectic schedule could see him play 3 times in a week more often than not and this could become a serious problem for Celtic.
Yes, we have Lukasz Zaluska to fall back on if Craig were to pick up a long term injury but the Polish keeper has never filled me with great confidence. If we are playing in Europe, having him between the sticks would make me very nervous.
The Pole likes to be a sweeper keeper, something my nerves can’t handle.
If Gordon can stay fit however, selling Fraser for £10 million and bringing the former Hearts man in on a free will look like a shrewd piece of business on the clubs part. If he falls flat on his face it could prove a disaster for the season as a whole.
Ronny Deila may yet have to dip his toes in the transfer market for another goalkeeper.
@creg1888
