Report: Celtic on the verge of signing Fraser Forster

By John McGinley

August 22, 2019

Celtic are on the verge of signing Fraser Forster from Southampton, according to The Scottish Sun.

The paper say that the goalkeeper is due to have a medical with the Hoops today ahead of a big return from Southampton.

Although a deal has been agreed for the 31-year-old, it’s not apparent at this stage whether it’s on loan or a permanent transfer.

Forster’s first spell at Celtic was seen a massive success. Coach Stevie Woods developed the player into a UEFA Champions League calibre goalkeeper.

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The shot-stopper regularly won plaudits for his performances in a Celtic jersey. Notably he earned the ‘La Gran Muralla’ nickname after showings against Barcelona.

After a five-year spell in Glasgow the player eventually left for Southampton in a £10m deal (The Guardian).

Things started well for him in the English Premier League but he eventually dropped out of the Southampton team.

Between 2014 and 2018 he made 124 appearances for the club (Transfermarkt). However, he’s managed just one appearance since the start of last term.

Form and fitness problems have hampered his progress. Hopefully though he is ready to hit the ground running at the Hoops.

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According to Spotrac, the player earns a massive £70,000 currently, with his contract due to expire in 2022. It’s very unlikely Celtic will be paying those kind of wages, so what kind of structure the reported deal has will be interesting to find out.

Celtic have a need for someone in the position due to a recent injury to number one ‘keeper Scott Bain. It’s left just Craig Gordon as a viable senior choice between the sticks.

Forster is a goalkeeper we know Lennon trusts and we know can perform at Celtic Park.

The question is – does he still have the fitness, mentality and ability to be a stand-out in Glasgow?