The lockdown amid the COVID-19 pandemic must have been a major blow for Celtic in their ‘nine in a row’ mission, but the Champions of Scotland are not sitting idle and have started identifying summer targets to strengthen themselves furthermore. The Old Firm rivalry has regained the lost mojo to some extent following Rangers’ resurgence under Steven Gerrard, and the two famous Glasgow rivals might lock horns in the transfer market as well for St. Mirren custodian Václav Hladký.
As reported by The Scottish Sun, both the Hoops and the Gers’ are holding a firm interest in the 29-year-old Czech professional over a potential Bosman swoop when/if the season concludes. Hladký has been a revelation between the sticks since joining the Buddies in winter 2019 and played a key role in their emphatic playoff victory against Dundee United. He stopped three spot-kicks in the shootout and guided the Lowlanders in retaining their top-flight status defying the odds.
Why Celtic And Rangers Have Their Reasons To Clash Heads For The Custodian
While Rangers must be aiming for an able replacement of wantaway Wes Foderingham, Celtic are currently well-covered for the ‘number 1’ slot with Craig Gordon and Scott Bain challenging Fraser Forster for a place in the starting lineup.
However, things might change drastically next season if they fail to make Forster’s move permanent. Craig Gordon, 37, is likely to part ways in summer when his current deal expires. Bain, who grabbed first-team status briefly earlier this campaign, struggled for minutes later on amid form as well as fitness concerns.
The Player’s Reaction
Hladký, however, is unaware of any approach and has cooled down the rumours while speaking to the Scottish Sun.
“Nobody has dealt with me. Of course, the clubs know I will be out of contract. There is no football to write about in the media, so you get speculation. I’m not addressing it yet. No-one knows how things will go, and whether the league will finish or not – or how it will be next season.”
Although the player is uncertain of his future despite enjoying a boisterous campaign with 10 Premiership clean-sheets (stats via Transfermarket) to his name, Celtic must explore this opportunity and rope in the in-form former Czech Republic youth international. However, tying down Forster (from Southampton) on permanent terms should remain the topmost priority.
