Celtic Close to First Summer Signing as Ross Doohan Set to Join for Free
Celtic fans are taking some time to wind down after a hectic campaign, but Brendan Rodgers is already reportedly on the brink of sealing their first summer signing. The Hoops ended their domestic campaign with two trophies, but will feel they let the prospect of a clean sweep in Scotland slip away during an unfateful Scottish Cup final loss to Aberdeen last weekend.
According to sources, Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers is keen to bolster squad depth ahead of another long campaign. Celtic defender Liam Scales has backed his compatriot to get it right in the market, stating: “He always wants the club to improve year on year. Since I arrived four years ago, it seems to keep getting better at every transfer window.” Scales added that the focus will be on strengthening the squad, especially with the Champions League coming up.
Celtic’s summer schedule is set to be a busy one, with fixtures against Cork City, Newcastle United, and the SPFL opening day. The Hoops will also be competing in the Champions League playoff round, with ties scheduled for August 19/20th and 26/27th. With a number of key players out of contract, Celtic are expected to make a number of signings this summer.
One player who could be set for an extended Celtic stay is Jeffrey Schlupp, who is in discussions over signing on a permanent basis at Parkhead. However, it is understood that Celtic are close to signing Ross Doohan, the Aberdeen goalkeeper, who has signed a pre-contract with the club. According to Football Fancast, Doohan will return to Glasgow following three years away from his boyhood club.
Doohan, a former Scotland Under-21 international, has kept five clean sheets in 18 appearances across all competitions this season. Football Fancast reports that Graeme Shinnie has described Doohan as “brilliant”. The 27-year-old will provide competition for Kasper Schmeichel and Viljami Sinisalo, and will also help Celtic meet UEFA’s squad registration rules as a homegrown and club-trained asset.
Scott Bain has entered the final year of his deal at Parkhead and is expected to make way this summer, creating the path for Doohan to come in as third-choice goalkeeper. Doohan spent seven years at Celtic in his first spell at the club, and will now have the opportunity to be part of a successful dressing room in the prime of his career.
The signing of Doohan may not be the most eye-catching move of the summer, but it could prove to be a savvy one. As Football Fancast notes, being able to call on a familiar presence to integrate with the goalkeeping group at Lennoxtown could be a shrewd move by Rodgers. With Celtic set to make more signings this summer, the arrival of Doohan could be the first of many as the Hoops look to build a strong squad for the challenges ahead.
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