Celtic have struggled badly in the goalkeeping department this season, and that’s exactly why they should try their luck with Robin Olsen again this summer.
Celtic haven’t been able to find a number one between all three options at their disposal. Vasilis Barkas has been a monumental disappointment, whilst Scott Bain and Conor Hazard have failed to nail down the spot either.
It’s clear that Barkas in particular is going nowhere. Celtic splashed out £4.5million to sign him from AEK Athens [Scottish Sun]. But the Hoops still need a higher-quality shot-stopper, and an opportunity could open up with Olsen.
The Swedish international is currently spending the campaign on loan with Everton. This move came about after Celtic reportedly looked to nab him only to fail because we would only pay half of his wages [Il Messaggero].
In the end, Carlo Ancelotti took him to Merseyside where he’s impressed as a back-up stopper. Olsen has largely played second-fiddle to Jordan Pickford this season. But even so, he’s still managed nine appearances this season and in high-profile fixtures too [Transfermarkt].
Celtic could do a lot worse than sign Robin Olsen
Olsen has shown in games against Leicester, Man Utd, and Tottenham Hotspur respectively. All three of which his team didn’t lose. He particularly impressed against Brendan Rodgers’ side, against whom he kept a clean sheet away from home.
But Olsen had proven himself as a capable stopper long before his Everton loan. He’s played 75 times for Malmo and 100 games for Copenhagen. Not to mention he’s experienced at Serie A level and has 42 Sweden caps to his name [Transfermarkt].
Unfortunately, Olsen suffered a horror incident in which masked thugs broke into his home down south. The incident has led to reports that he is unlikely to return to England next season [Daily Mail].
With a contract in Italy that runs until 2023, Olsen is likely to head out on loan again. This time around, Celtic should invest in the move properly and pay whatever extra Roma would like for his services.
A player who’s comfortable with distribution, a fine shot-stopper, and commands his area. You couldn’t really go wrong with Olsen at Parkhead. We’ve needed someone with his presence for a long time, and surely the opportunity to play regularly again would be enticing for him.
At the very least, Celtic must ask the question.
In other news, Man City are the latest to follow Celtic’s lead.
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