Celtic’s recruitment is a key reason why the club have been so dominant for so long.
From Ange Postecoglou to Brendan Rodgers, many things have been done right and it’s an example to all.
Celtic’s financial situation isn’t just to do with the success of winning title after title, or in this season’s case, progressing in the Champions League.
But just making the right call in the transfer market, even if, at times, it frustrates the fans, in regards to them needing patience.
Now, in some cases, players like Nicolas Kuhn have exploded or the players brought in from Japan have become club legends.
But when Joe Hart retired in the summer, Celtic went down a route not many expected.
READ MORE: UEFA shares official post on Celtic goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel that fans will love
Celtic told Kasper Schmeichel would have felt it’s ‘not possible’ to play for a club like the Hoops
Given that Hart was at the end of his career, it wasn’t a surprise that he wanted to retire, but many would have felt the logical choice would have been to bring in a young keeper to replace the Englishman.
But instead, Celtic signed Kasper Schmeichel at the age of 37 and he, as well as the club, haven’t looked back since.
James McFadden feels he has been ‘outstanding’ since donning the green and white colours, including how he would have felt that it was ‘not possible’ to play for a club like Celtic, as he told Sky Sports Football (25/02/25 at 7:30 pm).
“The calmness will be when he is playing,” said McFadden. “You can tell he is vocal. I think he will be vocal in the dressing room.
“I thought it was important because Joe Hart was such a big character and a big figure in the dressing room that he had to be replaced by someone of that ilk.
“I think Kasper Schmeichel has come in and he has been outstanding. He is at an age where he probably felt that playing for a club like Celtic was maybe not possible.
“So, coming into Celtic, the fans, as we know, are outstanding. The performances he has put in the Champions League. It’s almost a chance for him to feel young again and enjoy his football. And enjoy the moment of being here.
“You have seen that with Joe Hart. His send-off last season. Once he made the decision, how well he played because he had that freedom. I think Kasper has come in with that freedom. Big saves at big moments. He doesn’t show any signs of slowing down and is really enjoying playing for Celtic.”
Viljami Sinisalo backed to be Celtic’s next number one goalkeeper
Schmeichel has extended his contract at Celtic already, that’s how good it’s been, so there will be more of him to come.
But, years down the line, everyone is hoping the club’s number one keeper is already in the building and ready to take the spotlight.
McFadden feels a man of Schmeichel’s calibre can help Viljami Sinisalo be that guy in years to come.
“It is crucial that you bring in experience in that position as well,” added McFadden. “You have got Sinisalo as well.
“He can learn how to train, look after yourself and learn how to go about your business off Kasper Schmeichel.
“I am sure the plan is that, whenever Kasper decides to leave, then he will be ready to step up.”
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