If there is one thing I’ve learned in my time following football, it is to take transfer rumors with a grain of salt. Whether they are names coming in to Celtic or parting ways with the Hoops, chances are most rumors never come true.
However, it is hard not to take notice when reports surface around one of your better players and a giant club like Chelsea in the mix. Such has been the case today, as Chelsea are rumored to be in for Celtic goalkeeper Craig Gordon.
Yes, the man who has stabilized Celtic’s backline and been an excellent shot stopper is rumored to be on the list of three main targets for the Blues.
Chelsea have a need with backup Asmir Begovic looking like he is off to Bournemouth on a transfer out of the club. That leaves just Thibaut Courtois as a legit first-team keeper should Begovic go in pursuit of consistent first-team football.
According to the report in The Daily Record, Gordon is one of three keepers in the mix should Begovic make a move. The other targets appear to be AC Milan’s Diego López and Fernando Muslera of Galatasaray.
This could mean a major shift for Celtic if it were to happen, leaving Dorus de Vries as the first-choice keeper and Logan Bailey suddenly one step away from the starting spot in net. It could mean some interesting times in net for the Bhoys if it were to happen.
Would Rodgers really risk a historic season for a little extra in the transfer kitty at the end of the season? Let’s remember that backup Dorus de Vries was brought in by Rodgers to overtake Gordon and he couldn’t do it. Rodgers gave de Vries plenty of chances and he wasn’t up to standard earlier this season.
With Celtic looking at an unbeaten run in Scotland so far, would this move actually make sense for the club?
Of course, Gordon isn’t a new face to EPL sides, having played at Sunderland for five years before moving back north. That makes this move a near no-brainer for the player should it happen, but will Celtic be willing partners?
It does appear that Rodgers would like to find someone else eventually for the starting keeper spot. Perhaps this gives him the chance to control who is brought in and wipe the slate clean at a position that has admittedly been a strong-suit of the side this year.
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There are certainly a lot of if’s, but’s and maybe’s surrounding this rumor, but it also could have a large impact on Celtic if it were to hold up to be true.