Premier League leaders Everton have managed to sign Celtic-linked goalkeeper Robin Olsen on a season-long loan deal from Roma.
Italian outlet Il Messaggero reported earlier in the window that the Hoops had made an offer for the Sweden international, but only wanted to pay for 50% of his wages. Unsurprisingly, it was said to have been rejected.
And instead, Carlo Ancelotti’s impressive Toffees have managed to bag a deal themselves. Olsen will now provide competition for current Everton number one Jordan Pickford.
News of Celtic’s bid for Olsen came after the Hoops had purchased Vasilis Barkas from AEK Athens. However, given that Il Messaggero didn’t provide a timeline on when the offer was put in, it could’ve been the case that it occurred before the Greek stopper arrived at Parkhead.
Calciomercato would later report that the Swede was training on his own and away from the rest of the Roma first-team.
Olsen would’ve been genuine competition for Barkas
Right now, it’s difficult to say that Barkas actually has genuine competition. He has Scott Bain and Conor Hazard behind him – two decent shot-stoppers but who aren’t of a level as of yet to really push the current Celtic number one. What we have is cover.
Olsen, had we managed to pull this one off, could’ve been that man to produce competition. Whilst it’s not beneficial to chop and change goalkeepers throughout a season, the new Everton man would’ve undoubtedly ensured that Barkas performed to his highest standard on a weekly basis.
Not that Celtic have made a wrong move here of course. Olsen was quite clearly too expensive, given the fact he was evidently on a big pay-packet in Italy. It’s no surprise then that a cash-rich Premier League side have snapped him up.
In the end, we can look back on our work in the transfer window and be delighted. Bain has proven to be a worthy back-up in the past, whilst there is excitement about Hazard’s long-term potential.
If we’re being picky, perhaps bringing someone in such as Olsen would’ve allowed our third-choice stopper Hazard to head out on loan. But, in truth, that’s being harsh, and Hazard should learn plenty working with Barkas and Bain every day.
As for Olsen, all the best to him. Everton have racked up four successive Premier League wins and look like being an interesting story this season. But there’s certainly no regrets there from a Celtic perspective.
In other news, Olivier Ntcham has reacted to Celtic’s exciting announcement from last night.
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