12 goalkeepers who could replace Joe Hart at Celtic

The number one goalkeeping position at Celtic is up for grabs. Joe Hart has played his last game for the club. His final match, the Scottish Cup final, brought his tally of medals with the Hoops to seven in three years. In doing so, he has shown just how much he will be missed next season, and how big the need is to find a replacement for the retiring Englishman.

The search for a replacement is already well underway. The list of potential candidates continues to grow as new names are added or removed when they are heading elsewhere.

Like Motherwell’s Liam Kelly, who appears to be closing in on a move to Ibrox. Or Alex McCarthy, who looks likely to remain at Southampton after their promotion to the Premier League.

Of course, Hart will not be easy to replace, especially when his experience and leadership qualities are taken into account. Celtic know the value of a safe and settled goalkeeper. They also know only too well how difficult it is trying to find the right player for such a significant position. We all remember how Vasilis Barkas' time at Parkhead turned out.

Celtic need to recruit a quality and experienced goalkeeper

Celtic splashed out a €5 million transfer fee on Barkas back in 2020 and it looks like they’ll have to shell out more than that to replace Hart. Experienced goalkeepers who can command their penalty area and give the backline confidence are rare. Especially if the club want them to be good with the ball at their feet too.

It’s not a position where you can put a project signing or developing player in, hoping it works out. Any signing has to be good enough to play every week immediately and to face top competition. They’ll be required to keep some of the best players in the Champions League from scoring against them.

It’s a good time now to reflect on those different names and potential targets. But also to look at the current Celtic goalkeepers and what their futures might hold. To be honest, there could be a few changes for the position this summer.