Cameron Carter-Vickers has arguably been Celtic’s best player this season. When the club signed him on a season-long loan from Tottenham Hotspur last summer, a lot of eyebrows were raised. He had never managed to find a spot for himself in the first-team of the Premier League club and had instead spent time out on loan at a series of Championship teams. Thus, many questioned whether he was the man to solidify the leaky defence of Ange Postecoglou’s side.
He has done that and then some, proving to be one of the best defenders in Scotland, if not the very best. Now, the headache for Celtic is to somehow sign Carter-Vickers on a permanent basis.
They are believed to have an option to buy included in the loan deal of an initial transfer fee around £6 million but it could rise up to £10 million with add ons. Recently, rumours emerged that Carter-Vickers had agreed personal terms with the club.
Comments made by him do suggest that he is open to joining Celtic on a permanent basis but he points out that it is not completely in his hands, and the two clubs would have to come to an agreement over a move. As reported by The Scottish Sun, Carter-Vickers said:
"“I have really enjoyed it at Celtic. We were good to watch and an enjoyable team to play in.“I am 24 now and want to be somewhere where I can settle for a few years.“Me and my agent have been talking to the club throughout the season about what’s going to happen at the end of the season.“But obviously, it’s not just my decision. Celtic have to come to some kind of agreement with Tottenham so it’s not completely in my hands.”"
Carter-Vickers tells Celtic what they need to do to sign him permanently
It is a huge positive for Celtic that Carter-Vickers seems open to signing for the club on a permanent basis.
After spending time out on loan at six Championship clubs, he finally seems to have found a home for himself at Celtic, playing a key role in their Premiership-winning team and excelling under the management of Postecoglou on an individual level.
Another move now would bring uncertainty over how much playing time he would get. On the other hand, he knows his place in this Celtic team already. Also, he is just 24 years of age, and if he wants to experience Premier League football, a move would still be there a couple of years down the line if he can continue to perform.
Of course, all of this will depend on Celtic being able to agree a deal with Tottenham Hotspur to sign Carter-Vickers on a permanent basis.