Celtic must sign Belgian international goalkeeper for free

Celtic will need to sign a goalkeeper next summer. That became very clear the moment Joe Hart announced his decision to retire at the end of the season. The Englishman has had his fair share of critics during his time at Parkhead but nobody can deny that he has been the Hoops' first-choice between the posts for the previous three seasons and a leader as well. It will not be easy to replace the 36-year-old.

Celtic have been linked with quite a few goalkeepers lately but it might not be easy to sign a proven name. Caoimhin Kelleher has impressed at Liverpool and even if he was to leave in the summer, Parkhead would be an unlikely destination for multiple reasons.

Recently, Ugurcan Cakir has been mentioned as a potential transfer target for Celtic as well to replace Hart. But it is believed that Trabzonspor want a transfer fee in the region of €15 millon for their captain, a figure the Hoops would have a tough time matching or even coming close to.

Thus, it would be smart on the part of Celtic to keep an eye on free agents as well. And a Belgian international goalkeeper looks set to be available.

Celtic must sign Belgian international goalkeeper for free

It has already been announced that Koen Casteels will be leaving Wolfsburg at the end of this season. The Belgian international has spent the past nine seasons with the club, spending the majority of it as a starter and making more than 250 appearances for them.

Other than Wolfsburg, he has also played at the Bundesliga level for Werder Bremen and Hoffenheim. So, Casteels certainly has the quality and experience required to fill the gloves of Hart.

The fact that he is set to be available as a free agent means that Celtic would not have to worry about a transfer fee either. Of course, it might not be easy to convince a player of that level to come to Scotland when other opportunities are expected to be available.