Though Joe Hart’s retirement was unexpected, Benjamin Siegrist, a former Celtic teammate, did not surprise anyone with his remarks this week.
After the 2023–2024 season, Hart hung up his gloves. Though many still considered him premature, it was not nearly the Eric Cantona-style, “remember where you were when you heard it” exit from the game at 37.
It was obvious that Hart still had a lot of gas left in his tank, given his significant role in another domestic double.
However, Benjamin Siegrist’s persistent consistency as a 75-time England international guaranteed that he made just two appearances in his two seasons at Parkhead thus far.
Will he be back for a third time? As Siegrist stated to Blick this week, “It certainly doesn’t feel like it.” He intends to continue his career in Australia, soaking up the sun and picking up tricks.
With that, Scott Bain, who finished third in Brendan Rodgers’ hierarchy the previous campaign, would be the lone goalkeeper in Celtic’s first team. By September, then, it might be necessary to have not one, but two shot-stoppers.
However, as the past few weeks have demonstrated, it’s easier said than done to find one, much less two.
A move for Caoimhin Kelleher of Liverpool, an Irish player valued at around £15 million, would push Celtic’s financial constraints, according to HITC’s previous report. Meanwhile, Werder Bremen has offered Michael Zetterer a new contract.
While Ugurcan Cakir is not in a hurry to leave his beloved Trabzonspor, Patrick Pentz chose Brondby. The Middle East is now home to Koen Casteels. But while many doors are closing, a few more have recently opened.
Goalie Étienne Vaessen is leaving RKC Waalwijk on a free transfer, and Celtic needs a replacement for Joe Hart. After starting just six games for Atletico Madrid, Horatiu Moldovan, who was supposedly on Celtic’s radar during the winter, is eager to play again.
Viljami Sinisalo, a Finland international valued at £3 million, is also being considered by The Scottish Sun, but he may not be eager to take a backseat role at Villa Park.
Sinisalo is at a bit of a crossroads after performing admirably while on loan at Exeter City previous season. If Villa is successful in acquiring £10 million Famalicao goalkeeper Luiz Junior, however, the road to Celtic may very well become clear.
Aston Villa might make it easier for Viljami Sinisalo to leave. There have been conversations, according to a report earlier this week from the Portuguese daily Mais Futebol. Villa is prepared to pay an upfront fee of £8.5 million plus an additional £1.5 million in bonuses.
Furthermore, Junior’s arrival—possibly joining Robin Olsen and Emi Martinez in the Midlands—should provide Sinisalo with the last impetus he needs to complete his career in claret and blue.
But one of Sinisalo’s former Exeter teammates is encouraging him to take advantage of this chance by moving north of the border, where he can play for a first team, compete in the Champions League, and win plenty of medals.
Shaun MacDonald tells The Athletic that it would be a waste of time for him to return to League One the following year.
“I’ve expressed that honestly, and he concurs. He still has a year left on his Aston Villa contract, so if he were to go on loan once more, he would likely need to sign a new agreement.
“Move to the Championship, in my opinion. Still, I’ve heard tales about the Celtic people, so that kind of thing would be fantastic.
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