LATEST UPDATE: Celtic and a Premier side to seal deal of £3m over Joe Hart replacement.
Although Joe Hart’s retirement was unexpected, Benjamin Siegrist, a former Celtic teammate, did not make the same comments this week.
Hart gave up his game at the conclusion of the 2023–2024 campaign. Though many still considered it premature, it was not nearly the Eric Cantona-style, “remember where you were when you heard it” exit from the game at the age of 37. There was obviously plenty of oil left in Hart’s tank, given his pivotal role in yet another domestic double.
Because of the 75-time England international’s unwavering consistency, Benjamin Siegrist has only made two appearances in his two seasons at Parkhead thus far. Will he remain here for a third time?
Siegrist told Blick this week that he hopes to continue his work in Australia, soaking up the sun and cutting corners, even though it doesn’t feel like it.
That would leave Celtic’s lone first-team goalkeeper, Scott Bain, who dropped to third position in Brendan Rodgers’ hierarchy the previous campaign. Then, it might be necessary to acquire not one, but two shot-stoppers by the September deadline.
However, as the past few weeks have demonstrated, it’s easier said than done to find one, much less two. A move for Caoimhin Kelleher of Liverpool, an Irish player valued at around £15 million, would push Celtic’s financial constraints, according to HITC’s previous report.
Meanwhile, Werder Bremen has offered Michael Zetterer a new contract. While Ugurcan Cakir is not in a hurry to leave his beloved Trabzonspor, Patrick Pentz chose Brondby. The Middle East is now home to Koen Casteels.
But while many doors are closing, a few more have recently opened. Etienne Vaessen is moving on a free transfer from RKC Waalwijk.
After sitting on the bench for half of the Atletico Madrid season, Horatiu Moldovan, who was supposedly on Celtic’s radar during the winter, is eager to move on once more.
Viljami Sinisalo, a £3 million Finland international, has also been mentioned by The Scottish Sun, but he may not be eager to take a backseat role at Villa Park.
Sinisalo finds himself at a crossroads after performing admirably while on loan at Exeter City the previous season. Meanwhile, if Villa is successful in their chase of £10 million Famalicao goalkeeper Luiz Junior, the road to Celtic may very well become clear.
There have been conversations, according to a report earlier this week from the Portuguese daily Mais Futebol. Villa is prepared to pay an upfront fee of £8.5 million plus an additional £1.5 million in bonuses.
Furthermore, Junior’s arrival—possibly joining Robin Olsen and Emi Martinez in the Midlands—should provide Sinisalo with the last impetus he needs to complete his career in claret and blue.
But one of Sinisalo’s former Exeter teammates is encouraging him to take advantage of this chance by moving north of the border, where he can play for a first team, compete in the Champions League, and win plenty of medals.
Shaun MacDonald tells The Athletic that it would be a waste of time for him to return to League One the following year. “I’ve expressed that honestly, and he concurs. He still has a year left on his Aston Villa contract, so if he were to go on loan once more, he would likely need to sign a new agreement.
“Move to the Championship, in my opinion. Still, I’ve heard tales about the Celtic people, so that kind of thing would be fantastic.
