Reviewing the signings of Joe Hart and James McCarthy at Celtic


On Tuesday afternoon, the rumour was that Celtic were going to announce the double signing of Joe Hart and James McCarthy. This may have sounded too good to be true to many Hoops fans however true as fate, at 4pm the official announcement was made. As you have probably seen by the title, I’ll be assessing these signings and looking at what they could bring to the club. 

Let’s begin with Joe Hart. Many wanted Vasilis Barkas to be given a chance going into the 21/22 season. The Greek was however after his errors against Midtjylland and West Ham, he was dropped by manager Ange Postecoglou and replaced by Scott Bain. The former Elgin, Alloa, Dundee and Hibs keeper also hasn’t covered himself in glory in his latest appearances. The Scot didn’t look too convincing between the sticks against Midtjylland and Hearts, being heavily criticised for his positioning for John Souttar’s winner on the opening day of the SPFL season. Such issues have prompted Celtic into the transfer market. 


A commanding, imposing keeper was required. Joe Hart certainly fits this bill and the former Manchester City, Burnley and Spurs keeper will bring a wealth of experience to Celtic’s back line. At 34, Hart is no spring chicken yet he still has a number of years left in him before retirement; this has been proved with the fact he’s signed a three year deal. Some Celtic fans are of the opinion that Hart may not suit Celtic’s style of play, especially under Ange Postecoglou where the goalkeeper is required to be comfortable with the ball at his feet and build up the play from the back. However, there is no denying the fact that Joe Hart is an established goalkeeper who has won two Premier League titles, two English League Cups as well as an FA Cup. The Englishman has 75 caps to his name and has featured at several major tournaments for the three lions. Hart will hopefully bring a new found confidence to Celtic’s defenders in their keeper. He will also be able to coach Celtic’s youngsters like Stephen Welsh, Dane Murray and Anthony Ralston through games and be a vocal figure at the back which has been missing. 


The fee Celtic are paying for Hart is believed to be around £1 million. It has also been reported that the 34 year old is taking a wage cut from £27,000 per week to £15,000 per week to play for Celtic. This should be encouraging for Celtic fans because it displays that Hart is committed to the club and actually wants to play in green and white. He has travelled with the Celtic squad to the Czech Republic and will more than likely make his debut against Jablonec on Thursday. 


Since he broke though at Hamilton, Celtic have constantly been linked with James McCarthy. The Scottish born - Irish international has gone on to play for Wigan, Everton and Crystal Palace after departing Scotland for the Premier League as a 19 year old. In his time down south, McCarthy has matured and moulded into a holding midfielder who could, like Hart, bring a wealth of much needed experience to Celtic. 


Although Ismaila Soro impressed last season, he is still just 23 years of age. The Ivorian shouldn’t be expected to replace former club captain and legend Scott Brown on his own. Soro is certainly a fan’s favourite however his performances so far this season have been far from his best. The signing of James McCarthy on a four year deal will take pressure of Soro’s shoulders and the former Bnei Yehuda man will surely learn a thing or two from the experienced Irishman. 


We knew Celtic were going to need squad depth in several positions this summer. Midfield was definitely one of those. An engine room of Callum McGregor, Tom Rogic, David Turnbull and Ismaila Soro suddenly looks debilitated should there be an injury. The acquisition of James McCarthy will without doubt strengthen this area of the pitch and the fact he has signed on a free is even better. The Irishman joined on 4 year deal which will keep him at Celtic until he’s 34. He will more than likely retire at the club. 


Celtic landing Joe Hart and James McCarthy should be seen as a major coup. The two oldest players in the squad going into the season were Nir Bitton and Scott Bain, both are 29. This automatically makes Hart and McCarthy the two most senior members of the first team squad. Their experience at the highest level should be nothing but beneficial for the club, manager and players. 


Next up on the transfer agenda for Celtic is right back. A fee has reportedly been agreed with Royal Antwerp and the only stumbling block is personal terms. Whatever happens with this deal, Celtic may also need another player in this position for rotation. 

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