Why Celtic should keep their eyes off Joe Hart
According to Daily Record, Celtic have made contacts to sign Burnley goalkeeper Joe Hart ahead of the summer transfer window.
Hart, 33, came through the ranks of Shrewsbury Town’s youth system before joining Manchester City in the summer of 2006. Initially, he was sent on several loan spells and he featured for clubs like Tranmere Rovers, Blackpool and Birmingham City before becoming a regular at Manchester City.
He went on to win two Premier League titles, an FA Cup and two league cups with the Cityzens before being shown the doors by Pep Guardiola. He has also made 75 appearances for the English national team. However, he then had spells with West Ham United and Serie A outfit Torino before joining Burnley in the summer of 2018.
Since his arrival in Turf Moor, he has not been the same and his form had taken a drastic hit since moving away from Etihad. Thus, Celtic should look at other alternatives instead of securing the services of the former Manchester City star.
Celtic must look elsewhere to strengthen their goalkeeping department
The Hoops have managed to lift the Premiership title for the 9th time in a row. Celtic boss Neil Lennon has managed to get the best out of his players. They have been dominant in the league for quite a long time.
However, they need to strengthen the squad if they are to continue with their dominance. The manager needs to bring in reinforcements to several key areas. And one area which Lennon should focus on strengthening is the goalkeeping department.
Southampton loanee Fraser Forster has been the first-choice shot-stopper and the former Newcastle man had been brilliant throughout the campaign. In 28 league games this term, he has managed to keep 14 clean sheets, while conceding just 14 goals. But his future at Celtic park beyond the summer still remains uncertain.
Craig Gordon and Scott Bains are the other two goalkeepers in the squad. However, Gordon has left the club as his contract has come to an end and Bains has featured in just 2 league games this term, failing to convince the manager with his performances. And, it is clear that a goalkeeper is a must in the summer if they fail to land Forster on a permanent basis. But bringing in Hart would not be an ideal solution.
The Englishman was at his best with Manchester City but since then, his performance has been below par. In the 2016/17 season with Torino, he conceded 62 goals in 36 league games, while managing just 5 clean sheets. His move to West Ham didn’t help him either.
In his debut season with Burnley, he conceded 41 goals and has also fallen behind Nick Pope at Turf Moor this term. He has featured in just 3 games across all competitions this season and has not been in decent form. Thus, Celtic should avoid signing someone who has not featured regularly in the last two campaigns.
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Verdict
At 33, Hart seems to be slowing down in his career and this could cost the Hoops heavily if they make a move for him. He is reaching the rear end of his career and looks to be far from his best. Thus, Celtic should keep their eyes off Hart and look elsewhere to strengthen their goalkeeping department.
