Celtic FC
Celtic signing this 33-year-old PL veteran would be an outstanding January steal
Why Billy Sharp could be a useful signing for Celtic in January
According to The Guardian, Celtic have been linked with a move for Sheffield United star Billy Sharp, who is expected to seek an exit from Bramall Lane during the mid-season trading period after falling out of favour under Chris Wilder.
The 33-year-old, who plundered 23 goals in the EFL Championship last term to fire the Blades to automatic promotion, has struggled for regular game time in the Premier League this season, starting only once and clocking up just 11 league appearances so far.
With Lys Mousset, David McGoldrick, Callum Robinson and Oliver McBurnie all competing for the two spots in front of goal, veterans like Sharp and Leon Clarke have been forced to watch on from the sidelines and that seems unlikely to change in the coming months.
However, with the transfer window now open, Sharp is attracting considerable interest from elsewhere, with Celtic joining Championship promotion hopefuls, Leeds United, in the race to sign the Southampton-born forward. (h/t Reliable journalist David Smith)
Meanwhile, Celtic suffered their first Old Firm defeat of the ongoing campaign as Rangers finally managed to get one over their arch-rivals with a 2-1 victory on Sunday.
The Gers closed the gap on the reigning champions to just two points atop the domestic standings, and with a game in hand, it would be fair to say that Steven Gerrard’s side now hold the cards in the title race.
It’s true that Neil Lennon doesn’t really need to make any wholesale changes to the squad after a largely successful first half of the season, however, with fixtures set to come thick and fast during the crucial second half of the campaign, the manager might need to address depth issues in some departments.
Celtic have looked rock-solid defensively so far but with Hatem Abd Elhamed and Jozo Simunovic both on the treatment table, the Hoops can certainly do with some temporary cover at the heart of the defence.
That might sound a bit debatable, given that Nir Bitton is more than a handy option at the back, but few would disagree with the fact that Celtic are in dire need of a reliable back-up for star striker Odsonee Edouard to alleviate the goalscoring workload on the Frenchman’s shoulders.
Leigh Griffiths hasn’t looked the same since returning to action while Vakoun Issouf Bayo’s move to Parkhead has turned into a big disappointment due to the Ivorian’s constant struggles with injuries.
To put things into perspective, it is easy to see that Celtic desperately need someone to deputize for Edouard and a proven goalscorer like Billy Sharp, who boasts of over 550 appearances across the top-four divisions of English football, could be an excellent short-term fix for the Hoops.
One might argue that Sharp, 33, doesn’t really fit the age profile of players that Celtic should be looking to sign but his exploits in English football over the years certainly can’t be played down.
As per Whoscored, Sharp excels with his aerial ability, work rate and hold-up play to bring others into the game, meaning that he could well bring the best out of more mobile attackers like James Forrest and Ryan Christie.
Furthermore, the veteran has carved out a big reputation for himself as a bonafide poacher in front of goal over the years and his incredible strike rate in English football suggests that it shouldn’t really be a big problem for him to score goals north of the border despite his advancing years.
Jermain Defoe has been working wonders for Rangers at the twilight of his career and Celtic have every reason to believe that Sharp could possibly emulate his compatriot’s success in Scottish football.
Interestingly, Sharp was linked with a move to Celtic way back in 2013 when Neil Lennon was serving his first managerial stint at the club. Lennon had identified the then Southampton striker to replace Gary Hooper (h/t Scotsman) and while a move to Parkhead never materialized, Sharp went on to brand Celtic as a ‘massive’ club (h/t Daily Star).
Verdict
Sharp might not be the same player that he was six or seven years back but if his 23-goal haul last season was anything to go by, the 33-year-old still has plenty to offer at the highest level.
More Celtic News
- Why Celtic should plot a January swoop for Andraz Sporar
- Why Celtic should keep hold of Olivier Ntcham amidst interest
- Why Ki Sung-Yeung would be a smart signing for Neil Lennon’s Celtic
Having said that, Celtic could land themselves an excellent short-term fix with a deal for Billy Sharp in January.
Celtic forward Saoirse Noonan has become one of the summer transfer window’s hottest commodities with multiple elite clubs monitoring the 25-year-old’s situation.
The Republic of Ireland international is attracting serious interest from the Women’s Super League, WSL2, NWSL, Serie A and the Belgian Women’s Super League ahead of her potential departure from Parkhead. Her contract with Celtic expires summer 2027 but speculation suggests she could depart this window.
The Versatility Factor Driving Interest
Noonan’s genuine tactical flexibility makes her invaluable in modern women’s football. She operates equally effectively as a central striker, deeper creative presence or drifting winger.
That adaptability attracts elite coaches across multiple leagues seeking attacking depth without compromising their systems. She scored six goals in eleven matches for Shelbourne before Durham and has continued impressing across three different countries. Few players offer such positional intelligence combined with international experience.
Celtic’s Difficult Rebuild Reality
Celtic sit fifth in the Scottish Women’s Premier League after a disappointing season following their 2023-24 title triumph with 26 wins. Grant Scott’s squad faces significant summer restructuring as players attract European and American attention.
However, they still contest the Scottish Cup Final against Rangers at Hampden Park on May 31, offering final silverware opportunity.
The Uncomfortable Truth
Selling Noonan would represent poor squad management. Celtic invested heavily in her arrival from Durham and now face losing a player at her peak just eighteen months later.
The club’s inability to maintain title winning standards suggests deeper structural issues money cannot fix. Noonan departing confirms Celtic’s decline from authentic challengers to selling club status. That transition happened faster than anyone anticipated at Glasgow.
Celtic FC
Celtic Sign Manchester City Duo on Loan Until End of Season as Pair Seek Regular First Team Football
Celtic have completed the double signing of Tara O’Hanlon and Poppy Pritchard on loan deals from Manchester City until the end of the season. The Ghirls announced the news via their official club website this evening as they strengthen their squad for the second half of the SWPL 1 campaign.
England youth international forward Pritchard came through Durham’s academy pathway before featuring for the first team. She joined Manchester City in 2024 and has furthered her development in loan spells with Crystal Palace, Newcastle United and Durham.
Scott Reunites With Pritchard
Celtic head coach Grant Scott revealed he has worked with Pritchard previously and is excited to help her develop. “Poppy is a player I’ve worked with in the past and she was a raw, exciting striker back then. I’ve watched her progress over the seasons and she’s another young talent who needs games and consistency, and we’re looking forward to helping her show her qualities here.”
This is smart business from Celtic, bringing in young players hungry for game time who will strengthen their squad without breaking the bank. Both arrivals should make an immediate impact in Scotland’s top division.
O’Hanlon Brings International Experience
Defender O’Hanlon is a senior Republic of Ireland international who started with Peamount United before signing for Manchester City in 2024. The youngster spent the first half of this season on loan at Sunderland, gaining valuable Championship experience.
“Tara is another exciting young player who has already gained full international experience. She’s a very athletic prospect who will benefit from regular football, and we’re delighted to add her to the group,” Scott said.
Celtic face Montrose in SWPL 1 on Sunday with both players potentially available for selection as the Ghirls look to strengthen their position in Scotland’s top flight.
Fraser Forster is an English professional football player who plays as a goalkeeper for the Premier League club Tottenham Hotspur and for England national football team and here, in this article, we will see about the player’s Net Worth, Girlfriend, Salary, Sponsors, Tattoos, Cars, and more
Fraser Forster, born on March 17, 1988, is a professional football player from England who primarily plays as a goalkeeper. Known for his towering height and exceptional shot-stopping abilities, Forster has had a notable career at both the club and international levels.
Off the field, Forster is known for his humble and down-to-earth personality. He has earned respect from fans and teammates alike for his hard work, professionalism, and dedication to his craft. Fraser Forster’s career trajectory and achievements serve as a testament to his talent and commitment as a goalkeeper. With his imposing presence, remarkable shot-stopping abilities, and international experience, he continues to be a valuable asset to his club and country.
Fraser Forster Net Worth and Salary
The English keeper Fraser Forster plays for Tottenham Hotspur FC in the Premier League and now receives a salary of £4,004,000 annually. Forster’s salary has been increased by 10% and this will help the youngster as well. His estimated net worth of £33 million is mostly due to his successful profession. Forster has committed to Tottenham Hotspur for the foreseeable future as evidenced by the fact that his current contract with the team is due to end on June, 2026. Tottenham Hotspur confirmed the goalkeeper would leave the club after his contract ends.
Fraser Forster Club Career
Forster initially signed with the Scottish team on a loan basis in 2010, but his effect was so great that Celtic opted to make the move permanent. Forster had a great deal of success while playing for Celtic, winning several Scottish Premier League championships and receiving praise for his remarkable work in UEFA Champions League and other European events.
Forster moved to the south coast in 2014 when Southampton of the English Premier League were interested in his strong performances. He immediately made himself the Saints’ first-choice keeper by putting on reliable performances and showcasing his shot-stopping skills.
Forster spent time on loan at Celtic while he was at Southampton in order to restore his form and confidence. For the 2019–2020 season, he rejoined the Scottish club and once more showed his remarkable goalkeeping abilities. Forster made a second loan return to Celtic in 2021. Even though an injury ended his loan period early, he never stopped showcasing his talent anytime he was on the pitch.
Forster made his first appearance for Southampton in the 2021/2022 season, helping them secure an 8-0 victory against Newport County in the EFL Cup. He continued to feature in the EFL Cup games until Southampton were eliminated by Chelsea on penalties. Due to injuries, Southampton signed Willy Caballero, but Forster made his Premier League return in December, contributing to wins against West Ham and a draw against Tottenham.
Forster joined Tottenham Hotspur on a free transfer in June 2022 and made his competitive debut in the EFL Cup defeat to Nottingham Forest. He later played in the Premier League draw against Brentford and achieved a clean sheet in the FA Cup win over Portsmouth. In February 2023, Forster received more playing time following Lloris’ injury against Manchester City.
Fraser Forster International Career
Forster’s performances earned him a call-up to the England national team, and he made his international debut in 2013. Forster has represented England on several occasions, participating in international tournaments such as the UEFA European Championship and FIFA World Cup qualifiers. Standing at 6 feet 7 inches tall, he possesses excellent aerial ability and has made numerous crucial saves for his country.
Fraser Forster Family
Fraser Forster was born in Hexham, Northumberland. His father, Brian Clive Forster QC, went on to become a circuit judge. It’s interesting that he prioritised rugby union and cricket before switching to goalkeeping at the age of 13. Forster joined the neighbourhood junior team Stocksfield and eventually the elite Wallsend Boys Club despite early reservations about his size. He had a noticeable growth spurt when he was 15 and later signed with Newcastle United.
Fraser Forster Girlfriend
Fraser keeps a laser-like focus on his football profession, and the public knows very little about his love life or partner. Forster seems to give his professional obligations top priority and invest a lot of time and effort into growing as a custodian. As a result, information regarding his private life, such as his marital status, has not been publicly publicised, underscoring his commitment to his sport.
Fraser Forster Sponsors and Endorsements
Fraser Forster has kept a quiet profile on social media and hasn’t been spotted publicly advocating any one particular business or brand. Forster has opted to concentrate mostly on his football career rather than pursuing extensive commercial relationships, although some players actively participate in sponsorships and endorsements.
Fraser Forster Cars and Tattoos
Fraser Forster is known for his clean-cut appearance, devoid of any visible tattoos. He has not been spotted driving publicly, and there is limited information available regarding his car preferences or ownership. Forster’s focus has primarily been on his football career, dedicating his time and energy to training and matches rather than extravagant displays of personal style or possessions.
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