Why Celtic must end their pursuit of Claudio Bravo
According to a report from Chilean publication The Times (h/t The Scottish Sun), Celtic are keeping tabs on Manchester City goalkeeper Claudio Bravo. The 37-year-old is out of contract with the Cityzens this month, although his deal could be extended until the end of the season.
Bravo started out his career at Chilean outfit Colo Colo and made the move to La Liga side Real Sociedad in 2006. The Chilean spent 8 years at the club, making 237 appearances before signing for Barcelona in 2014. In two seasons at the Catalan outfit, he featured 75 times, keeping 43 clean sheets.
Manchester City signed him in the summer of 2016, after being first-choice in his debut campaign, Bravo has had to play second-fiddle to Ederson since the Brazilian’s arrival in 2017. Till date, the 37-year-old has 60 appearances for the Premier League outfit, with 19 clean sheets.
Celtic need a new goalkeeper
The Hoops have already announced the exit of Jozo Simunovic and Jonny Hayes, with their contracts expiring at the end of May. Another player whose contract expired is goalkeeper Craig Gordon.
With the 37-year-old’s deal expired and Fraser Forster returning to Southampton upon the completion of his loan spell, Celtic will be left with Scott Bain as the only option in goal. Hence, they need a new goalkeeper in the summer.
However, Bravo would hardly represent a good choice for the club. At 37, the Chilean is very much in the last stages of his career at this level. He hasn’t featured regularly for the Cityzens for almost three years now.
Bravo featured just 13 times in the 2017/18 campaign, with Ederson replacing him as the No. 1. Last season saw the Chilean feature just once, due to an injury. He has played just 16 times for City this season, with only four of those appearances coming in the Premier League. He has managed just four clean sheets this term.
Well beyond his prime, the 37-year-old would be an unfit signing for Celtic. In addition, the fact that they did not announce Gordon’s exit along with Hayes and Simunovic could mean that they are keen on handing him an extension. Especially considering manager Neil Lennon’s admiration for the veteran.
Then, there is also the possibility of re-signing Fraser Forster, which the manager and the club are both keen on. Even if they fail to bring him back, Bravo would hardly be a suitable replacement.
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Verdict
At 37, Bravo is in the final stage of his professional career. He hasn’t been a regular for Manchester City for three seasons now so he would hardly be an ideal solution for Celtic’s goalkeeping conundrum next season. Hence, they would be better off looking elsewhere.
