There is one massive flaw in a report claiming that Anthony Patterson could be joining Celtic in the summer from Sunderland.
A 23-year-old goalkeeper that has been an ever present in the English Championship over two seasons clearly has ability but with a contract that runs through until 2028 Sunderland will be in the driving seat over any transfer.
Patterson’s age and England u-21 experience would appear to fit in with Celtic’s transfer strategy but when it comes to a fee the story falls apart.
During an interview with Football League World Carlton Palmer casually threw in a fee that ensures any interest from Celtic is highly unlikely to turn into a bid:
Celtic are a massive club, a huge club, a very good manager in Brendan Rodgers, European football. Of course, that would be something that you would not be able to turn down. Celtic would have to part with the best part of £15-20 million for Anthony Patterson, and I could see him leaving Sunderland to play in the Scottish Premiership, and then, if he is still young enough, he can come back to the Premier League.
Last summer Celtic signed seven players with the aggregate of those fees coming in at around £15-20m.
At £4m Maik Nawrocki was the most expensive signings with players like Luis Palma and Gus Lagerbielke coming in at £3m each.
Supporters will be hoping for a change in strategy this summer, a new goalkeeper to replace Joe Hart is expected but it would be a major shock if the £9m record fee paid for Odsonne Edouard in 2018 is smashed.
CLICK HERE for Patterson’s Transfermarkt profile.
CLICK HERE for Celtic transfer fees paid.
I worry about Celtic’s ability to know a good keeper when they see one. There have only been a couple since Ronnie Simpson with some disasters like Pat Bonner and Barkas.
When the latter was mooted as a posible signing, I went on to YouTube to see what he was like and concluded he was not a goalkeeper, nevermind a £5 million one. It was there for all see so I was astounded when they bought him.
Rangers/Sevco have always had an eye for a good one and I have suggested they should find out who they are going for and outbid them.. Where did Butland come from?
Celtic bought Joe Hart after he let Griffiths put two free kicks past him in the Scotland vs England game. That should have been a red flag.
Although with is personality, I still think he should be given a coaching job as he has had a lot of experience which he could pass on to someone younger and fitter.
A bit unfair on Packy Bonner there, Charlie!
He spent his whole career at Celtic and saved a penalty for the Republic Of Ireland when they got to the Quarter Finals of the World Cup in Italia ’90!
Also, Ireland qualified from the FIFA World Cup Groups on three ocassions, something that Scotland can only dream about.
Seems like your glass is almost empty!
Wasn’t Bonner at fault for the goal against Italy in the quarter finals which sent them out. I appreciate there are different views but I know Caesar didn’t have a lot of confidence in him.
Bonner describes their relationship as “love-hate” and said
“As a matter of fact, Big Billy actually went into goal one day to show me what he expected of me. ‘Step aside,’ he said, ‘I’ll show you what I want.’
He did indeed spend most of his career at Parkhead but part of the problem with Celtic is that the dead weight are usually rewarded. Who can explain Lawwell’s survival after TIAR was sabotaged or the fact that James Macarthy could have been offloaded on loan and wasn’t. Just a couple of examples.
I remember he made a mistake, yeah. But who doesn’t?
He won the Centenery Year Double with Billy as Manager. A great season!
In the bigger picture, though, he was very successful at Celtic. Good goalies at the trime were hard to come by!
Packy was one of the better ones!