Fraser Forster has indicated (The Scotsman) that he is willing to take a pay cut to sign for Celtic permanently. The English goalkeeper is currently on loan at Parkhead and has become the first choice custodian over Craig Gordon and Scott Bain. Bain is presently out with a hand injury, but we feel it is unlikely that the Scottish international will dislodge Forster from the first team when he becomes available for selection.
Forster had become the third-choice goalkeeper at Southampton as Angus Gunn and Alex McCarthy were preferred over him. The 31-year-old often had to train with the u-23’s at the St. Mary’s to keep himself fit. However, now the player is back in the limelight playing in front of thousands and in a European competition.
Forster indicates he can’t say no to Celtic
The goalkeeper recently went on to suggest that he won’t be able to say no to Celtic if they want to sign him permanently. Forster said, ”To come back to Celtic like this is fantastic so I’d never say no to this club. But it’s early doors, and a lot of it is out of my hands. We’ll just have to wait and see.”
”It’s so early in the season but [like I say], I’d never ever say no to this club. It’s just the relationship I have with everyone here – the fans, people within the club and the coaching staff.”
Forster reportedly earns £70,000/week at Southampton and Celtic wouldn’t be able to match those wages if they get him permanently. However, the player seems willing to take a pay cut to play regularly and feel wanted at a club.
What now for Celtic?
It’s still early days, and it is tough to comment now whether Celtic will get their man or not. The player seems ready, but Southampton might demand a decent fee as Forster still has his contract at the club until 2022. Moreover, the Saints are fighting a relegation battle, and if they go down to the Championship, then the likes of Angus Gunn and McCarthy might move away which could open up the path for Forster to become the first choice again.
We don’t see the Hoops spending big bucks to sign him again, but if Southampton makes Forster available on a cut-price deal, then Lennon should surely go after him. Anything around £3-4m should be a decent deal for Celtic, but the Hoops might not want to cough up more than that for a goalkeeper. Gordon is in the last year of his contract so Celtic will need to sign a goalkeeper by next season.
