Chelsea backup goalkeeper Asmir Begović is set to leave the club this summer, ready to be a first-choice goalkeeper once again to better align with his own talent level. While he played a fair amount last year for Chelsea, he’s been reduced to strict backup and cup duty with Thibaut Courtois in great health and even better form this season.
Begović was ready to leave in January, too, but Chelsea were unable to secure a prerequisite replacement. One such failed acquisition was Celtic veteran Craig Gordon, with previous rumors claiming that the Blues would make another attempt at the Hoops goalkeeper in the summer. Those plans just took a big hit with reports on Saturday emerging that Gordon has agreed a new 3.5-year deal with Celtic. The deal is not signed yet, but that formality is expected to take place in the next 48 hours.
Craig Gordon has today had confirmation of his new #Celtic contract. Three and a half year deal. Announcement in coming days. @scotsunsport
— Robert Grieve (@robert_grieve) March 4, 2017
Craig Gordon will sign a new three-and-a-half year contract with Celtic within 48 hours.
— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) March 4, 2017
More: https://t.co/ZpFzXSxiiK pic.twitter.com/8VxRuaL1LO
The 34-year-old Gordon’s previous contract was expiring at the end of the season, and while Celtic had a one-year club option for an extension, it sounds like they’ve managed to work out an even better deal. The new contract doesn’t necessarily guarantee that Gordon will stay — it does guarantee that Celtic would get a nice transfer fee should he choose to go — but it’s probably time to turn our attentions elsewhere in search for Asmir Begović’s replacement.