Celtic Set Sights On Custodian Available For Free In Summer: Why They Must Step Up The Chase

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·17 March 2021

Celtic Set Sights On Custodian Available For Free In Summer: Why They Must Step Up The Chase

If the latest report from Edinburgh Live is believed to be true, Celtic are willing to rope in Ofir Marciano who has decided not to extend his stay at Hibernian beyond this campaign. Jack Ross is already planning for next season without the custodian and the Hoops, aiming to bolster themselves between the sticks, is weighing up a move for the Hibs veteran.

The 31-year-old Israel international is a familiar name in the Scottish circuit for his stewardship in goal. He has more than 100 appearances to his name since joining the Edinburgh side but is now keen on exploring other options including a return to his homeland with Hapoel Be’er Sheva.

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Celtic, meanwhile, have failed to find a successor of Craig Gordon or Fraser Forster. The likes of Vasilis Barkas, Scott Bain and Conor Hazard have been rotated in the last line of defence, however, none of them has impressed enough to ensure a starting status since the inception of the 2020-21 season.

Barkas joined the Glasgow giants for £5m (plus add-ons) from AEK Athens but has failed to justify the price tag so far. The Greece international lost his place during Neil Lennon’s regime and John Kennedy, the interim Parkhead chief, has not brought him back either.

“He’s not the presence at the minute that he can be. You will probably see the best of Vasilis as we go along, not just at this moment. I have spoken to him on a number of occasions over the course of the season. We’re hoping and expecting more from him as we go along.”

The Northern Irishman told BBC Scotland back in January, a month before stepping down following the Bhoys’ dismal run of form.

Why Celtic Should Tie Down Marciano

Although the Hoops convinced young Hazard to pen a two-year contract, handing him the ‘number 1’ status would be a huge gamble considering the experience and expertise Rangers have in Allan McGregor and Jon McLaughlin. Their Old Firm rivals are gaining superiority in every department and Celtic, therefore, should opt for a statement signing by snapping up Marciano.

Marciano would be an upgrade over Bain, even though the latter has brought back the stability to some extent in recent weeks. He is expected to retain his place in the upcoming dead rubber derby, but the club must think beyond that and should step up the chase before it gets too late.