Celtic-linked player signs new contract with Bournemouth

As Joe Hart's Celtic future remains in the balance at the age of 36, the club faces the pressing reality of finding a long-term successor for the experienced goalkeeper. With his current deal set to expire next summer, the Hoops are believed to be actively exploring options for a reliable replacement, acknowledging the importance of securing the future of their goalkeeping department. 

In recent months, Celtic have been linked with a number of goalkeepers including the likes of Caoimhin Kelleher, Andriy Lunin, Vaclav Hladky and Will Dennis. The last has impressed while on loan at Kilmarnock, who currently sit fourth in the Scottish Premiership, and has eight clean sheets in 22 league appearances.

With Kelleher and Lunin both being handed game time this season at Liverpool and Real Madrid respectively, a move to Celtic for either goalkeeper now looks unlikely. Although the Los Blancos player's contract was initially believed to expire in the summer of 2024, it is, in fact, set to run for another year adding further doubt surrounding the potential of a move to Glasgow.

Hladky's current deal at Ipswich Town though, is set to expire in the summer. In the midst of an impressive run in the Championship, he is a strong contender to join the Hoops. Having previously played for St Mirren, he is also well-acclimatised to Scottish football, and could potentially be available on a free transfer.

Celtic-linked player signs new contract with Bournemouth

There is some bad news for Celtic in their chase for a goalkeeper. According to Bournemouth's official website, Dennis has signed a contract extension. It runs until the summer of 2026.

Celtic and the Rangers were both rumoured to be keeping close tabs on Dennis. However, a move to either now appears unlikely as he looks set to return to Bournemouth in the summer and compete with Neto for the number one spot.

Andrei Radu, currently Bournemouth's cover goalkeeper on loan from Inter Milan, is also set to return to Italy in the summer. That opens up a spot for Dennis in their squad.

At 23 years of age, a move for Dennis would almost certainly have been a risky one. With more experienced targets like Hladky in the frame, Celtic will likely seek a goalkeeper with proven experience, similar to the transfer of Joe Hart from Tottenham Hotspur in 2021.

In the past, taking risks with relatively inexperienced goalkeepers, such as Vasilis Barkas, has not paid off for Celtic. Let's see what route they go next.