Celtic have been linked with a summer move for Mat Ryan, raising fresh questions over the club’s goalkeeping situation ahead of next season.
Ryan has been linked with a summer move from Levante, where he is out of contract at the end of the season, to challenge Viljami Sinisalo for the number one position.
Kasper Schmeichel looks set to leave due to his shoulder surgery and Sinisalo has been a breath of fresh air between the sticks. However, Ryan will think that he can become the number one if he does join the Hoops this summer.
You have been given £10m to sign one player for Celtic in the summer transfer window…
Which player are you spending that money on?
Mat Ryan vs Viljami Sinisalo: 2025/26 statistical comparison
Ryan’s advantage is clearest in the core goalkeeping metrics. A save rate around 70 percent, combined with a positive goals prevented figure, shows he is performing above expectation despite facing a high volume of shots in La Liga.
| Metric | Mat Ryan | Viljami Sinisalo |
|---|---|---|
| Games played | 29 | 13 |
| Minutes played | 2,610 | 750 |
| Save percentage | 70% | 60-62% |
| Goals conceded | 45 | 7 |
| Clean sheets | 6 | 2 |
| Goals prevented (PSxG) | +1.8-2.1 | N/A |
| Pass completion | 69-78% | 78.8% |
Sinisalo’s numbers reflect a very different role. His save percentage sits closer to 60 percent, and while his goals conceded total is modest, it comes from a far smaller sample size.
Mat Ryan looks like an upgrade on Viljami Sinisalo
Any comparison must account for environment. Ryan is playing in La Liga, regularly facing more shots and higher-quality chances in a side that spends long periods without the ball; however, Levante are battling relegation.
Celtic’s current number one is yet to experience that level of sustained pressure. His minutes have been limited, and he has not had the opportunity to build rhythm over a long run of games.
Even so, the efficiency gap remains notable. Sinisalo’s save percentage places him below the leading goalkeepers in the Scottish Premiership, while his potential new teammate suggests he would slot in seamlessly.
Should Viljami Sinisalo be the long-term replacement for Kasper Schmeichel?
The Hoops have favoured more experienced, short-term options in the goalkeeping departments in recent years by signing Joe Hart and Schmeichel. If they want to continue down that path, then Ryan is the correct option.
But, if they want to have a more sustained, long-term approach, sticking with Sinisalo is the best move.
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