Southampton tell Celtic how much they must pay for Forster

Celtic have learned the transfer fee that they must pay Southampton in order to sign Fraser Forster on a permanent basis.

After joining Celtic on a season-long loan from Southampton, Fraser Forster managed to establish himself as the first choice keeper between the sticks in Neil Lennon’s side. And with the Premier League having no long term plans for the Englishman, it is expected that both him and the Hoops would be looking to make his move permanent. Unfortunately, there is just the small issue of paying the astronomical transfer fee that they want for him.

Forster had originally made a name for himself in his first stint at Parkhead before moving to Southampton in deal worth £11.25 million. And although the goalkeeper did a commendable job there, over the last few years he had fallen down the pecking order and made just one appearance in two seasons before moving back to Celtic.

It is safe to say that the move back was worth it as he was immediately back in the first-team setup and it didn’t take him long to rediscover his form as well. The highlight of his season was clearly the incredible performance against the Rangers in the Scottish League Cup final that helped Celtic secured a 10th straight domestic trophy and will go down in the club’s folklore.

With the season done and dusted, Celtic will now be looking to make Forster’s deal permanent but it looks like the transfer fee is going to be a huge thorn in their path. As reported by The Sun, both Arsenal and Chelsea are interested in signing the keeper and as a resulted Southampton have put up a massive £10 million price tag on his head.

Lets be honest, there is no way that the Hoops will break their transfer record for Fraser Forster. Yes, he is an integral part of this team and it would be a huge loss if we cannot have him here next season. Even then it makes no sense to spend that amount of money on a 32-year-old goalkeeper, especially in a post=pandemic transfer market where most clubs are struggling for money.

On the other hand, it would make no sense for Forster to go to either Chelsea or Arsenal either. He is just going to be a second or their choice keeper there as well. Of course, he will earn a higher wage than he will at Parkhead but if first-team football is what he is looking for than there is no better place for him.