Celtic transfer target to replace Joe Hart shines in the Champions League

Celtic need to sign a goalkeeper in the summer, with Joe Hart nearing the end of his career. His replacement has recently shined in the Champions League.

Celtic FC v Atletico Madrid: Group E - UEFA Champions League 2023/24
Celtic FC v Atletico Madrid: Group E - UEFA Champions League 2023/24 | Visionhaus/GettyImages

It goes without saying that Celtic must sign a new goalkeeper. In fact, this is what the summer transfer plan is likely to be for The Bhoys, since Joe Hart is nearing the end of his tremendous career. Since Hart joined the club, he has been a loyal servant and truly embodied everything this great club represents but it's time for Brendan Rodgers to think about the future between the sticks.

Celtic transfer target to replace Joe Hart shines in the Champions League

One player who Celtic have been linked with all season is Andriy Lunin. The Real Madrid backup goalkeeper has been linked with a move to Scotland for some time now but the deal was not possible in January, since Thibaut Courtois became injured meaning Los Blancos needed the services of Lunin between the sticks.

As per HITC, Andriy Lunin absolutely shined in the Champions League on Tuesday night, as his heroics between the sticks meant that Real Madrid hold the advantage heading into the 2nd leg of the tournament. Within the HITC article, midfielder Fede Valverde hailed Lunin as being Real Madrid's "hero" on the night.

It's no exaggeration since Lunin is truly stepping up to the mark in Madrid. His role has increased given the lengthy injury to Courtois, which could be perceived as both positive and negative from Celtic's view.

Thinking optimistically, this could be seen as invaluable experience for the goalkeeper before he potentially makes the move to Celtic. However, thinking pessimistically, he could became that important to Real Madrid that Carlo Ancelotti won't want to let him go.

Lunin is 25 years old and assuming he is willing to accept the new role at Celtic, would become the club's first-choice goalkeeper and they would be securing an excellent young goalkeeper, which would greatly bolster the future of the club.

Do you think Andriy Lunin is ready to replace Joe Hart?