Celtic, recently named the world’s favorite Scottish soccer team ahead of Rangers and Aberdeen according to a study from business traffic site SEMrush, could go after talented Premier League players who are on expiring deals.
Why? Because Celtic is in a strong position going into the summer transfer window, particularly when compared to other teams in Scotland and to teams in England. Celtic has plenty of cash reserves, offers the chance to play in the UEFA Champions League and UEFA Europa League can offer very competitive salaries.
Due to the state of the finances on English soccer, from the Premier League down to the fifth tier, many players may not even consider going Scotland but the clubs might cut their costs with players who are not thriving or exceeding expectations. This makes the Scottish Professional Football League (SPFL) more attractive, particularly a move to Celtic.
We look at two players who could get a contract with Celtic.
Jordon Ibe
The Bournemouth winger joined Bournemouth in July, 2016 for a team-record £15 million fee. He last played for Bournemouth in September and his contract expires this summer. Ibe was given a 16-month driving ban and a £7,500 fine in March after crashing his Bentley. The 24-year-old issued a statement on what happened:
Ibe said in a statement released by his representatives: “I want to apologize for my recent actions and explain the circumstances around my behavior.
I am currently in rehabilitation and hoping with the right help my mental health can improve and I can concentrate on becoming a better person after making poor judgements.
While banned from driving I have been stopped by the police driving my car and will now face punishment for this error.
I would like other people suffering from mental health issues to seek help… Health is more important than anything and I am concentrating on getting better before thinking of football.”
Joe Hart
Burnley goalkeeper Joe Hart’s career has kind of hit a wall. He’s now a backup goalkeeper and a fresh start could do wonders for him.
A Premier League winner with Manchester City in 2011–12 and 2013–14 was increasingly vocal about his lack of chances to play at Burnley. Nick Pope has been in fine form ahead of Hart and he’s basically unmovable as the starter so now Hart knows that he has to look for a new home if he wants to play.
