Celtic have finally got the ball rolling on transfer incomings following Viljami Sinisalo being officially announced yesterday evening.
The Finnish goalkeeper arrives from Aston Villa on a five-year contract for a fee reported to be around £1 million and has already joined up with his new teammates in the United States.
Any second now, Kasper Schmeichel could join him at Celtic. After undergoing his medical yesterday, the free agent is expected to be formally announced as Brendan Rodgers calls on a familiar face to bolster the ranks.
Paulo Bernardo won’t be far behind him if all goes to plan. The Bhoys have agreed a £3.5 million fee for the Portugal Under-21 international; meanwhile, reports suggest he is set to pen a four-year contract worth roughly £17,470 per week.
There is encouragement surrounding all three recruitment endeavours, though it may also signal some smart contingency planning from Celtic despite frustration at a lack of activity earlier in the window.
Celtic’s goalkeeper position and forward planning
With two goalkeepers almost through the door, these moves will bring an end to speculation over who has been identified as Joe Hart’s replacement between the sticks.
In the end, it appears that Rodgers has opted for a blend of youth and experience. Schmeichel will be there in the crunch moments for the immediate term; meanwhile, Sinisalo is set to learn alongside the Denmark international, priming him for a future shot at being the number one Celtic goalkeeper.
The club have taken their time to solve the mystery surrounding the position, producing frustration and ire from supporters desperate for clarity.
Now, the fans are safe in the knowledge that they know who will provide stability in a key area of the field, with the added carrot of Hart’s leadership qualities being replicated by an equally experienced figure like Schmeichel, who comes in with a big reputation and appetite to set standards.
There is also a contingency element here, with the former Leicester City man signing on for one year with the option of a further 12 months in Glasgow. Overtly, this isn’t a long-term commitment to Celtic, but it paves the way for Sinisalo to enter the picture when he is ready rather than throwing him into the limelight with little margin for error.
Sinisalo could also perhaps given an opportunity in domestic cup fixtures to bed into the role. Either way, the Bhoys have given themselves flexibility in this regard rather than solely having to rely on one stopper to produce the goods.
Paulo Bernardo and the Matt O’Riley situation
Bernardo and Matt O’Riley aren’t exactly like-for-like; however, both embody the quality needed to be a successful midfielder at Celtic.
Of course, the latter is being pursued by the likes of Atalanta, a move he is said to be open to exploring. This means bodies are needed and should be identified for the engine room to supplement any potential departure, to plan ahead accordingly.
On top of Bernardo, it is imaginable that Celtic may look to draft in another midfield figure or give one of their young stars, such as Odin Thiago Holm or Bosun Lawal, a more prominent role in the side.
Nevertheless, Almada-born Bernardo had the bit between his teeth towards the end of last season and could kick on with the opportunity to claim a starting role in Rodgers’ line-up this term.
Yes, he was here last season, scoring four goals and laying on three assists in 33 appearances. Despite only restoring parity in squad numbers, the four-year deal mentioned affords Celtic an option likely to be around for a few seasons to come, provoking a feeling of permanence and familiarity.
With one transfer completed and two well in the works, the importance of the trio mentioned joining the group for 2024/24 shouldn’t be underestimated by anyone.
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