The idea of Freddie Woodman to Celtic can now officially be ruled out after the player finalised his move to Swansea City today.
The Sun yesterday had both Celtic and Arsenal interested in the Newcastle United man. That’s despite the fact the Daily Record stated two days ago that Lennon wasn’t interested in the goalkeeper.
Woodman hasn’t been the first-choice at St James’ Park in recent years. His move to Swansea on loan was completed earlier today, with the Welsh club confirming the deal on social media.
It didn’t look like a goer whatsoever from a Celtic point of view. Yes, stranger things have happened in football than Woodman signing for the Hoops, but there were too many reasons for the deal not to go ahead.
We spoke at length yesterday about the main hurdles in making a deal to Celtic believable. In the end, however, it seems that the Newcastle man has at least found somewhere he can gain some minutes on loan.
Celtic could revisit this next summer – circumstances dependant
There’s no reason we can’t have another look at Woodman next summer if our goalkeeping situation changes. But given Scott Bain seems here for the long-term, and Craig Gordon has reaffirmed his commitment to Celtic (Scottish Sun), it doesn’t look likely.
Meanwhile, Celtic’s number three this season looks to be Conor Hazard. The youngster came up through the youth ranks at Parkhead and impressed in pre-season against Rennes. If anything was to happen to Gordon and Bain at the same time, Hazard deserves his chance to shine.
It’s probably the strongest position in our squad at the moment. Losing out on Woodman, or failing to even go for him, won’t particularly frustrate the Celtic support. It’s not as if we truly need another shot-stopper into the club.
There remain other priority targets that Lennon will have his eye on. Another right-back and centre-back, of course, remain the top two on the list (or at least they should be).
If we were being greedy, another midfielder and striker would also be ideal. But we’ve never been a club that’s given the supporters everything they want during a transfer window!
But it’s clear they didn’t want Woodman. And, at the very least, that’s one deal supporters likely won’t care much about.
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