There is a fresh update on the situation involving Celtic and a potential move for Nick Pope of Newcastle United.
The goalkeeper situation at Celtic is an interesting one. All summer, they have been linked with a variety of goalkeepers. But so far, no signing has been made between the posts.
This is despite the fact that Kasper Schmeichel has retired, leaving a squad spot empty. Right now, there is no genuine competition for Viljami Sinisalo in goal.
Unsurprisingly, Sinisalo started the first league game of the campaign. He kept a clean sheet as well. But the very minimum target should be providing him with some genuine competition.
Reports in England emerged earlier in the week that Celtic, Middlesbrough, Birmingham City, Burnley and Leeds United have all had talks with Newcastle regarding a move for Nick Pope.
Conflicting reports have emerged since then
On paper, it is not hard to see Celtic being interested in a move for Pope. In fact, that is something they have been doing for years now.
Joe Hart was signed in the summer of 2021 and had a three-year run as the number one. Schmeichel was brought in in 2024, when the Englishman retired, and was a starter until the injury that forced the Dane into retirement.
So, it would not be out of the realm of possibility for Celtic to try and sign another veteran Premier League goalkeeper in Pope. We all know those jerseys would fly off the shelves.
That being said, there have been conflicting reports regarding the club's interest in the Englishman. According to CeltsAreHere, Celtic have made no contact with Pope or his representatives despite reports linking him with a Parkhead move.
They go on to state that Celtic are instead looking for a No.2, with Sinisalo currently viewed as the first choice goalkeeper at the club.
Will Celtic sign Pope this summer?
If you ask me, it is somewhat unlikely that Celtic would sign Pope this summer. Their strategy this time around does not seem to be going after a big-name goalkeeper at the end of this career.
Pope is 34 years of age and has a year left on his contract. But there is a reason that Newcastle United are ready to part ways this summer itself.
On the other hand, Celtic have so far been linked with goalkeepers who are not playing in top leagues, but have underlying numbers suggesting that they are outperforming the competition by a significant margin.
So, do not be surprised if Celtic end up signing a goalkeeper from the second division and have him compete for the starting spot with Sinisalo.
