Celtic fans still believe that Fraser Forster will be back at the club next season.
The midweek news from Southampton seemed to kick that idea into touch with Chris Sutton in the Daily Record claiming that the keeper had let Neil Lennon down with his decision.
Forster has two years left on a contract reported to be worth between £70-90,000/week but in the modern age with loyalty bonuses and other add-ons the exact figure can only be guessed at.
While the prospect of regular first team football undoubtedly carries appeal, in the cynical world of football it is often wise to delay rushing into a decision.
Over the last few months Hearts players were told about the club’s dire financial plight, this week their employer found the money to provide a 37-year-old with a two year contract.
Celtic’s wages offer to Southampton may increase in a few weeks, Southampton may be willing to increase a pay off for the balance of his contract, other factors could kick in.
If Celtic are putting an offer to Joe Hart does that tell Southampton that they have more money to offer or are looking at goalkeeping options?
Many Celtic fans agree with Sutton that the player could have pushed the deal through but others see the bigger picture, a number of variables and still believe that the former England man will be back for the push towards a historic title triumph.
My @Record_Sport column on why missing out on Fraser Forster would be a huge blow for Neil Lennon… your thoughts?? https://t.co/1OIxaItVmn
— Chris Sutton (@chris_sutton73) July 4, 2020
So he should just take a 50k a week wage drop, nae worries
— Kenny Barnes (@Kennybarnes49) July 4, 2020
Hes on £70k a week he is obviously interested in money. Fair enough but he should not be asked to come back again.
— Wolfe Of Parkhead ???????? (@ParkheadWolfe) July 4, 2020
Celtic and NL saved his career again he was out in the cold at Southampton celtic took him back he should be grateful and do everything to come back to celtic either that or the big man has just done what all the rest do one season ot two offsky. A hope FF does the right thing.
— James Mcguinness ?? ?????? (@James34728098) July 4, 2020
My thoughts are, the Record is a rag of a paper but I am so glad you played for Celtic ???
— ??????? Paul ??????? (@Paul_pawpaw) July 4, 2020
I can understand him wanting a permanent move at this stage of his career and age. But if Fraser is on 90 grand a week would he be willing to take even half that if offered to him by Celtic?
— David Mc Gowan (@dmcg1968) July 4, 2020
Celtic can not afford him Chris. Who would give up 30-50k a week. Wee had KT one of our own leave for the same reason. Modern football. We have to move on
— CHRIS (@chrismcgillion1) July 4, 2020
I honestly don’t think this is finished yet Chris, there’s a desire our end, i an would like to think FF wants the move, if he doesn’t, then all bets are off and we move onto the next on the list.
— Pat masterson (@Mastybhoy) July 4, 2020
The writer you dictate your column to needs to clean their ears out. Shocking use of the language by your grammatical standards. On Forster – Lawwell isn’t going to spend £6m+ on a 32-year old early July when he’s got to pretend to Motherwell that Celtic don’t have £3m next week. pic.twitter.com/A04dkaYQ15
— Alan Corcoran (@lanfaePaisley) July 4, 2020
I Still think he’ll be at Celtic Park, it’s all about mind games since big Fraser told Southampton he’s staying, they’re desperate to offload players and he wants to come back to us where he’s wanted and not sit on a bench somewhere mediocre
— Rhab haw (@RhabP) July 4, 2020
Forster will definitely still sign Chris, fancy a flutter on it £1? 1 pound
— Graham (@GDunn67) July 4, 2020