Premier League or Paradise for Carter-Vickers?

CAMERON CARTER-VICKERS would appear to have little future at Tottenham, with just five appearances taken in for the north London outfit despite being tied to them since 2009. For the commanding centre-half, recognition – both domestic and international – has come when flying the nest.

The latest spreading of those wings carried the Southend-born United States international all the way to Glasgow, with top-flight football being taken in for the first time on the back of six second-tier loan spells in England.

The most recent of those came at Bournemouth, a side priced at 1/12 for promotion in odds on the English Football League Championship and a one that will continue to earn considerable favour within Championship tips after investing heavily during the January transfer window.

Carter-Vickers had claimed to be “open” to the idea of extending a spell on the south coast last season, but no deal was done and the Cherries’ loss has been Celtic’s gain. A man who arrived at Parkhead as something of an unknown quantity has shown that he could be a shrewd long-term investment.

The terms which carried him north of the border do include a purchase option, but there is no obligation to buy and windows of opportunity will remain open to others as a result. That is the issue causing Hoops followers concern at present.

In an ideal world, Carter-Vickers would continue to catch the eye on a Premiership stage before confirming that he will be sticking around in the summer. Some serious questions are being asked of whether said dream will become a reality.

Where next?

That is because speculation is building regarding mounting interest being shown in the USMNT star. For Celtic these are admiring glances of the most unwelcome kind, but it remains to be seen whether Carter-Vickers’ head will be turned.

He is, in many ways, able to control his own destiny after seemingly being deemed surplus to requirements at Spurs. If they don’t want him, then he should be able to pick and choose where he ends up next.

Having got his feet firmly under the table with the Hoops, there is every reason to believe that stability and continuity will be sought. With so much time spent adjusting to the demands of new surroundings on an annual basis, why not bring that saga to a close?

Bournemouth are said to be sniffing around again, as they look to close in on a return to the Premier League, while Watford would also welcome the opportunity to add another reliable option to their ranks if they are able to beat the drop in 2022.

Part of the problem for all concerned could be Tottenham’s ever-increasing valuation. Fabio Paratici and Co are no mugs and are aware that each eye-catching performance adds a few more pounds to their asking price.

Celtic may be prepared to dig a little deeper than originally intended in order to keep a loan star shining in their galaxy, but will that be enough? If a scramble for a sought-after signature is sparked this summer, can the Bhoys fend off Premier League interest and keep Carter-Vickers at Paradise?