Celtic should be pretty happy with their recruitment this summer. It has been much better than the last one and some players are already making a difference. Of course, the headline additions were that of Arne Engels and Adam Idah, as the Hoops shelled out big transfer fees to bring them in. But the most impactful might have been the one which did not cost them anything.
Yes, we are talking about Celtic's signing of Kasper Schmeichel. The Danish international was available as a free agent and the club reunited him with his former Leicester City manager, Brendan Rodgers.
Most fans would have been hoping for the club to bring in a long-term replacement after Joe Hart's retirement. But Celtic chose to go with an experienced option once again. Based on the performances so far, one has to admit that they made the right choice.
Schmeichel has proven to be a superb addition to this Celtic team. And if he carries on like this, he will end up earning himself an extension at Parkhead.
Micah Richards and Gary Lineker offer special praise to Celtic player
As reported by 67 Hail Hail, Gary Lineker said about Schmeichel's performance against RB Leipzig on The Rest is Football:
"A shout out for Kasper Schmeichel as well, the Leicester former goalkeeper and hero. He made a few saves, but one in particular, low to his left, it was a fabulous save."
Micah Richards, who came through the Manchester City youth ranks with Schmeichel, then went on to wish him a happy birthday and said:
"So he’s a year older than me, so he’ll be 38 next, no?"
But Lineker was quick to point out how goalkeepers have more longevity than outfield players as he added:
"Yeah, he’s a goalkeeper though. They can, they generally last a little bit longer than us outfield players."
In hindsight, it was a smart decision on the part of Celtic to sign Schmeichel. It was not like any standout options were available who could be the club's long-term goalkeeper. They were linked with players like Caoimhin Kelleher of Liverpool and Andriy Lunin of Real Madrid, but those moves were always unlikely to happen. Also, one cannot overlook the importance of replacing the experience and leadership of someone like Hart, which the Dane has done.