Celtic boost in race to sign £11 million Real Madrid player

Celtic could do with reinforcements in a few positions. A new goalkeeper has to be considered near the top of their transfer wishlist though. Joe Hart was once again under the microscope for the goal that the Hoops conceded, this time against St Johnstone. And unfortunately, that has happened quite often in recent times.

Hart has done a decent job since arriving at Celtic in the summer of 2021. He has been solid between the posts and an important leader of a relatively young squad.

That being said, his performance levels have dipped for a while now. He will be 37 years of age before the season ends and his current deal also runs out in the summer.

Sooner or later, Celtic must sign a long-term successor for Hart. They have been linked with a few high-profile goalkeepers in recent times. One of them is Andriy Lunin of Real Madrid, who looks set to be available as a free agent in the summer.

Celtic boost in race to sign £11 million Real Madrid player

Lunin joined Real Madrid in 2018 for a transfer package believed to be around £11 million from Zorya Luhansk. He was considered one of the best young goalkeepers in all of Europe but has barely played for Los Blancos since then.

Lunin has always remained the cover option to Thibaut Courtois. When the Belgian got injured earlier in the season, Real Madrid signed Kepa Arrizabalaga on loan from Chelsea instead of handing the starting gloves to the 24-year-old.

Lunin has started the past few games due to Kepa suffering an injury. In the last three La Liga games, he has conceded just one goal and twice in the previous two Champions League games.

Clearly, he has shown that he can perform if given the chance. But as reported by MARCA, Lunin will return to the bench against Real Betis.

So, despite performing well, Lunin looks set to return to the bench. That just shows his position in the Real Madrid pecking order. If he wants to start regularly, he might need to leave. And Celtic are a club who can provide him the opportunity to do just that. At Parkhead, the 24-year-old can compete for trophies every season and hopefully continue playing in the Champions League as well.