EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND - MAY 07: Joe Hart of Celtic, celebrates after winning the Cinch Scottish Premiership following the match between Heart of Midlothian and Celtic FC at Tynecastle Park on May 07, 2023 in Edinburgh, Scotland. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)
Celtic have finally identified a replacement for Joe Hart.
It may only be October, although Celtic continues to be linked with many players. The most recent one, however, is perhaps the most exciting of the latest names to be mentioned as potential signings at Parkhead.
According to the Daily Record, the Celts are considering a move for Real Madrid goalkeeper Andriy Lunin. The Ukrainian internationalist is said to be one of many ‘keepers that the scouting team are watching and continually analysing.
Over the summer, the champions had an interest in Lunin but Madrid didn’t want to let him go because his presence was needed for the first two La Liga games of the season.
At 24 years of age, Lunin has a fair amount of experience but does have room for development. If he came through the door at Parkhead, he would likely take the number one spot off Joe Hart who admittedly has been impressive recently.
Lunin’s is a name that would undoubtedly excite Celtic supporters. He is frustrated at the situation in the Spanish capital. Thibaut Courtois is out injured and his team drafted Kepa on loan as a stop-gap without giving the Champions League winner an opportunity.
As things stand, the 24-year-old’s contract expires at the Santiago Bernabeu next summer. This means he is able to be tied down to a pre-contract agreement in January and thus signed for free next summer. Alternatively, the club could bring Lunin in on a cut-price deal in the winter window.
One way or another, it would be encouraging to see a move made by Celtic for the former Zorya Luhansk man. He is one of several shot-stoppers likely being considered by Mark Lawell and the recruitment team as the Hoops search for their long-term Hart replacement.
