Fraser Forster has managed to resurrect his career after being in limbo for more than a year at Southampton where he had effectively become the third-choice goalkeeper. Southampton had no qualms in letting him join on a season-long loan at Celtic, and the English goalkeeper has shown that he still has the skill sets to perform at the top level.
Ralph Hasenhüttl has rotated between Angus Gunn and Alex McCarthy this seasons which showcases that he doesn’t trust one of them completely. That brought some murmurs about Southampton recalling back Forster again as the Saints have been dismal in defence so far.
Forster squashes rumours regarding his immediate future
However, recently Forster cleared any suggestions of him getting called back by the Premier League club. The 31-year-old denied the rumours and said (Daily Record), ”I don’t think there’s a recall (option), so I think I’m here for the season from my side of things. I’m happy here and glad to be back here playing. I just want to do as well as I can so I think I’ll be here for the season.”
On being asked about a possible permanent transfer after the season, Forster said, ”I’m only focusing on the short term really. So much of what will happen will be out of my hands. I’m just concentrating week by week, enjoying it while I can. The rest will take care of itself.”
Can Celtic sign him permanently?
The goalkeeper still has his contract with Southampton until 2022, so the Saints will likely demand a reasonable fee for him. Moreover, after his recent performances, Forster might have opened the door for himself for making a comeback at the St. Mary’s next season. So as things stand, it still seems a bit far fetched that Celtic would be signing him permanently.
However, if Saints go down to the Championship then maybe they might be compelled to sell some of their top earners on a cut-price deal, and that might do the job for the Hoops. There are still a lot of ifs and buts involved, and any kind of a permanent deal is out of the picture right now.
Lennon though will be glad to have a goalkeeper of his pedigree for a complete season. Forster has already shown his quality, especially in the tie against Lazio in Rome. For now, the team management and the Celtic faithful can relax in the January window as Forster doesn’t have any recall option in his clause.
