Celtic tipped to make move for in form goalkeeper

By John McGinley

May 7, 2021

Celtic have been tipped to make a move for Hibernian goalkeeper Ofir Marciano this summer.

Pundit Tam McManus, who used to play for the Easter Road side, reckons he’s better than any of the options available to the Bhoys currently.

Celtic have struggled for a consistent choice all season. Vasilis Barkas was a big-money buy last summer, but he couldn’t hold a place in the team at the expense of Scott Bain and Conor Hazard.

Bain is the number one choice for now but has been criticised for recent performances against Rangers.

Next season, Celtic either need to invest more time in Barkas or look for a new option.

Marciano is out of contract this summer and McManus reckons Celtic will be in for him, stating on Twitter: “I’d be very surprised if Celtic didn’t try and get Marciano on a free. Can count on one hand the mistakes he has made at Hibs in 4-5 years. He is a better goalkeeper than any currently at Celtic.”

Ofir Marciano may well be on Celtic radar

Celtic may well be admirers of Marciano, or have put time into scouting him, due to his connection with former manager Neil Lennon.

Lennon signed the player at Hibs and was a big admirer of his abilities, once describing his saves as ‘world-class’ and up there with anything Craig Gordon was doing at the time. [Daily Record]

If the former Celtic boss was keen on goalkeeping replacements at the club earlier this season, no doubt he’d have brought up Marciano’s situation.

Could Celtic pursue Ofir Marciano? / (Photo by Ahmad Mora/DeFodi Images via Getty Images)

He’s also been one of the form goalkeepers in the Scottish Premiership this term, conceding just 24 goals in 28 league appearances, keeping 12 clean sheets. [Transfermarkt]

With 26 Israel caps to his name too, he’s a viable option on a free transfer but whether he has the quality to make a big first-choice push is another matter.

McManus seems to think he can.

In other news, SFA blast rival Managing Director Stewart Robertson after meeting with Celtic.