Another week passes, and yet another potential Joe Hart replacement slips through Celtic’s fingers. As the former goalkeeper settles into his new role as a BBC pundit, captivating fans with his poised presence, Celtic’s quest for a new number one remains unresolved.
Despite new rumours about Croatian keeper Dominik Livakovic, Celtic’s options have shrunk. Patrick Pentz has moved to Brondby from Bayer Leverkusen, and Michael Zetterer has signed a new contract with Werder Bremen.
There has been little progress with Ugurcan Cakir, and HITC reports that Celtic’s dream target, Caoimhin Kelleher, would come with a hefty £15 million price tag. Celtic, known for their financial prudence, have never before spent an eight-figure sum on a single player.
One of the more affordable alternatives seems to be out of reach as well. Etienne Vaessen, who appeared a viable option, is set to join FC Groningen from RKC Waalwijk. According to Brabants Dagblad, Vaessen will move to the newly promoted Eredivisie side when his contract expires on July 1st.
“FC Groningen has the best plan for him, and so Vaessen leaves for the far north,” the report states.
Vaessen has reportedly agreed to a three-year deal with an option for a fourth year. Frank van Mosselveld, Groningen’s CEO, is familiar with Vaessen from their time at RKC. Shortly after Hart bid farewell to Parkhead, Vaessen said an emotional goodbye to RKC, a club he represented for over a decade.
“When I’m on holiday, there will be some tears,” Vaessen said, according to Brabants Dagblad and Omroep Brabant. “I am happy that I chose to stay for another year last summer. RKC will remain in the Eredivisie. That is what we all did it for. And with a new squad and many young boys. Now, the search starts for a new club.”
While Vaessen’s search may be over, Celtic’s hunt continues. There may, however, be a new opportunity on the horizon with Atletico Madrid’s Horatiu Moldovan. Discontent with his benchwarmer status at the Wanda Metropolitano, Moldovan has made his desire for a fresh start known.
Celtic were linked to Moldovan in January, just before he left Rapid Bucharest for Atletico Madrid. Speaking on the Tare de tot cu Viorel Grigoroiu podcast, Moldovan expressed his frustration and ambition.
“I want to leave Atletico Madrid in the summer or winter,” Moldovan stated. “I don’t know if I’ll leave now, because it depends on what I do at the Euros with Romania. It depends on the opportunities that arise. But I definitely want to leave to play.”
He added, “If a good team from a big league presents itself to me, then I want to go. We will see what offers appear. You can’t reject the chance to sign for Atletico. But I want to play.”
As Celtic’s search for a new goalkeeper drags on, Moldovan might just be the solution they need, bringing both experience and a desire to prove himself. The question remains whether Celtic will move quickly enough to secure his services before another club swoops in.