After a successful loan stint in the 2019/20 campaign, Celtic had tried to bring back Fraser Forster to Parkhead last summer as well. But a move failed to materialise back then and he ended up staying at Southampton. The goalkeeper is being once again linked with a loan move to the Glasgow giants this summer though.
Goalkeeping was a worry for the club last season. Vasilis Barkas, Scott Bain and Conor Hazard, all got runs in the first-team. But none of them managed to quite convince that they were the long-term answer between the posts.
As a result, rumours have emerged once again that the club could be looking to bring back the English goalkeeper.
But as reported by Hampshire Live, Forster and Alex McCarthy look set to continue their competition between the posts well into the 2021/22 season with Southampton.
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A Forster loan move might not be on the cards for Celtic this summer
Another thing that could be an issue for the Hoops is Forster’s big wages. And Barkas’ impressive form in pre-season could give them one more thing to consider as well before thinking about making another attempt to bring the English goalkeeper back.
Barkas was signed from AEK Athens last summer and he came with high expectations. But the Greek international had a difficult first season at Parkhead, as he struggled to find his feet in Scottish football.
He has made a solid start in pre-season this time around though, under the management of Ange Postecoglou. It looks like Barkas has improved in multiple aspects of his game and if he can continue like this, then he has a good chance of being the club’s number one between the posts moving forward.
Thus, it might be a good idea to give Barkas opportunities in competitive matches and see how he does, before considering making a move for another goalkeeper this summer.