Forster candle extinguished but there is consolation

I was holding a candle for Fraser Forster until the start of this week.  Goalkeeper is arguably the most important position on the field and Fraser had a huge impact on Celtic last season.  More than anyone, he was responsible for the League Cup Final win in December and his performances home and away against Lazio was the difference between the teams.  If only he was in place for last season’s Champions League qualifiers.

At 32-years-old he could easily have five years left at the top, we know he can do the job, so his signing was top priority.  That £90k per week contract at Southampton always had the possibility to cause problems and so it did.  Fraser’s star rose at Celtic and even if Southampton want to move him on, there is a better chance he will be able to go elsewhere in England and maintain, or improve on, his current salary.

Instead, we will hopefully console ourselves with a 26-year-old who, on paper, fits the Celtic model better.  At the money quoted, he is not cheap, but he has been tested in Europe, internationally and in a competitive league.  There is value to be had as clubs across Europe form recovery plans.  Those who trade well in this period will be big winners.