Celtic has been linked with a move for Newcastle United highly experienced goalkeeper Nick Pope…
It’s no secret that Celtic are in need of a keeper, with only Viljami Sinisalo and Ross Doohan currently in the first team squad, leading to speculation of moves for the likes of Dinko Horkas, Radek Vitek, and Tjark Ernst.
Nothing however has come to fruition, and one of the latest names in consideration is 34 year old 10 times capped England International Nick Pope.
Pope would be a fantastic signing, not just for his ability as a goalkeeper, but Celtic goalie shirt sales would go through the roof with Pope 1 emblazoned across the back!
Pope could follow the same path as Joe Hart and Kasper Schmeichel
Joking aside, at 34 Pope could be classed in the ‘veteran’ bracket, but in goalkeeping terms, it’s still relatively ‘young’. Indeed, Joe Hart was the same age when he joined the club in 2021 under Ange Postecoglou, and he served the club superbly until his retirement in 2024.
Celtic goalkeeper Joe Hart shows his appreciation to the fans after the Scottish Premiership match between Celtic FC v St Mirren at Celtic Park Stadium on May 18, 2024. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)
Joe Hart, like Nick Pope was a former England international, but had lost his way a bit after bouncing around several clubs on loan, and was seen as nothing more than a Tottenham Hotspurs back up keeper, a far cry from his hey day as a title winner with Manchester City, as well as being the undisputed England number one, winning a grand total of 75 caps.
But despite their similarities, it could be argued that Nick Pope is in a much better standing than Joe Hart was at the time of his arrival in Glasgow five years ago. Joe would tell you that himself.
Callum McGregor and Joe Hart of Celtic lift the Scottish Premiership trophy during the Scottish Premiership match between Celtic FC v St Mirren at Celtic Park on May 18, 2024. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)
Pope is still very much seen as an established EPL performer
Despite not enjoying the prestige or success of Joe Hart, Pope is still very much seen as an established EPL performer having made 27 appearances in the English top flight with the Magpies last season, as well as appearing in the Champions League.
Obviously salary could be a tricky issue, but it’s believed a deal could be reached, and if so, it would be represent a major coup for the club.
Viljami Sinisalo would perhaps have his nose out of joint having waited patiently as an understudy to Kasper Schmeichel for his chance to be Celtic No.1. Football’s harsh realities though always have to be factored in and if Martin O’Neill wants an experienced goalkeeper as his first pick then that’s what will happen.
Just an Ordinary Bhoy
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