Since the end of the season and perhaps even before then, Celtic fans have been clamoring for the club to secure a replacement for the Englishman, Joe Hart. Given that Joe announced his retirement back in February, there’s no real excuse for the fact that we’re sitting three weeks out from the new SPFL season without a new goalkeeper.
As Celtic prepare to head to the USA for pre-season, manager Brendan Rodgers addressed the situation, acknowledging the supporters’ concerns while offering some glimmers of hope. “It’s natural to ask that question because we’re a club that needs to improve the squad,” Rodgers told SunSport. He added, “I mentioned before about getting at least a couple in before we go to America. That’s still the idea. We all know we lost three players and they were very important players for us. That alone demonstrates we need to make that right and we also have to improve.”
The manager could be as frustrated as the fans, but if he is, he certainly doesn’t want to show it at this stage. Celtic have money in the bank but a weaker squad compared to last season, which only managed to scrape by in the league thanks to a strong finish. Now, it’s imperative for Celtic to start backing their manager.
The delay in securing a new goalkeeper has been a source of frustration for many. The supporters have been vocal about the need for a strong replacement ever since Joe Hart’s retirement announcement. The sentiment among the fanbase is one of impatience and worry, as they understand how critical this decision will be to how the season shapes out.
Rodgers’ acknowledgment of the issue might placate some fans. His reassurance that the club is working on bringing in new talent before the team departs for the USA is a positive sign. However, actions speak louder than words, and the clock is ticking.
Celtic’s financial situation should, theoretically, allow for significant reinforcements. The club has maintained a healthy balance sheet, which should be leveraged to strengthen the squad. The money they have in the bank doesn’t even account for the Champions League windfall they’re about to receive. Which will be record breaking for the club.
The tour in the USA is a crucial period for Celtic. It’s a time for the team to gel, for new players to integrate, and for the manager to assess the squad’s strengths and weaknesses. Heading into this period without a settled goalkeeper is far from ideal.
While it’s true the transfer window is open until the beginning of September, you give new players very little chance to settle before putting them into the thick of things. Every day counts, and each passing day without a new signing intensifies the scrutiny on the club’s decision-makers. The fans have made their voices heard, and now it’s up to the club to respond.
