Celtic are in the market for a goalkeeper this summer, and replacing Joe Hart ranks at the top of Brendan Rodgers’ transfer priorities.
The former England international is set to retire from football at the end of the campaign, leaving a void that must be filled ahead of 2024/25.
Hart could take his tally to seven trophies at Parkhead if Celtic successfully retain the Scottish Premiership title and Scottish Cup; however, several targets have already been mooted as his potential successor.
According to several outlets, Southampton stopper Alex McCarthy, Motherwell’s Liam Kelly and Queens Park Rangers goalkeeper Asmir Begovic have been mentioned in dispatches.
Earlier in the year, Trabzonspor’s Ugurcan Cakir had been identified as another potential replacement for Hart, with reports suggesting wheels were in motion over a potential swoop, including meetings with his management team, lawyer and a Zoom call between Rodgers and the player himself.
Per Transfermarkt, the Turkey international has made 40 appearances across all competitions, keeping 12 clean sheets in the process.
FBRef note the 28-year-old has recorded a save percentage of 69.5% from 131 shots on target faced in Super Lig action; meanwhile, Cakir has conceded an average of 1.32 goals per match.
Celtic reportedly make Ugurcan Cakir offer
In a fresh development, Turkish outlet Gunebakis claim Celtic have made a ‘serious offer’ in the region of €7.5 million (£6.45 million) for Antalya-born stopper Cakir, who reportedly has an uncertain future at Trabzonspor amid suggestions he could leave his boyhood club.
Ligue 1 outfit Nantes and Serie A giants Roma are also believed to be keen on his services. At the same time, Saudi Pro League side Al-Ahli have put forward a proposal worth €10 million (£8.6 million), per the report.
It is hard to say what the future holds for the man in question; however, it is intriguing to see Celtic’s admiration towards his talent hasn’t diminished despite previous concerns over the viability of a potential transfer.
Celtic need a high-calibre replacement for Hart, and bringing someone of his experience at both club and international level would be a statement signing that supporters would unite behind.
With only weeks until the transfer window opens, Rodgers and company have plenty of work to carry out on the recruitment front.
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