JOHN HARTSON has admitted he has fears regarding Carter-Vicker’s future at Celtic.
The defender is on loan in Glasgow, with an option-to-buy installed in his contract. The fee Celtic will have to pay Spurs to secure the player’s services is disputed to be between £6 and £10 million.
Putting on stellar performances week-in, week-out in the Scottish Premiership, the American has attracted interest from sides in England’s top division.
The more teams interested in the physical defender, the higher his price will go. This is not an initial worry for Celtic, having the first option on the player.
Speaking on The Go Radio Football Show, John shared his thoughts, saying;
“Bournemouth signed Jefferson Lerma a couple of seasons ago for £25m so even in the Championship clubs are paying £20 million for players.
“And it just blows everything else out of the water in terms of what clubs can play in.
“If Ange wants the player, and I think the player has been brilliant, he’s been one of Celtic’s best signings even though he is on loan from Spurs.
“Because what’ll happen is, because he’s had a good season, because Celtic having a good season, at the start of the season’s campaign, he’s like £6m? £7m?
“But on the back of his performances, clubs are not stupid. They’ll go, ‘By the way Celtic really want him. Wolves really want him. We now want £16m.’ and Celtic cannot do that.”
Money is a problem in today’s game for Celtic, and that’s why we see the club try to involve itself in money-making schemes, like the tournament down under.
The fee might not be an issue for Celtic, especially if they receive the financial reward from the Champions League, but the wages might be a stumbling block.
At the end of the day, Vickers has the final say, and if he wants to pursue a career in England, Celtic can’t change that.
The purchase terms have been set for CCV to Celtic. The ball is very much in Celtic’s court.