Celtic January goalkeeper target Horatiu Moldovan could be available this summer

Celtic’s goalkeeper situation is going to be the talk of the transfer window until Brendan Rodgers finds a successor to Joe Hart.

Several names have been mentioned in connection with the club, with Newcastle United veteran Martin Dubravka and Sparta Prague’s Peter Vindahl Jensen emerging as two of the more prominent targets.

Both individuals possess pedigree and experience; meanwhile, the former could be a financially advantageous pursuit amid the Magpies’ need to meet Premier League Profit and Sustainability rules.

Nevertheless, a new stopper is needed swiftly at Parkhead. Celtic’s first pre-season match against Ayr United is set to take place three weeks from today, which will come as welcome news to all supporters.

While chatter over the goalkeeping situation is in full flow, one reported January target could now be available for a surprise switch this summer.

Horatiu Moldovan is keen to leave Atletico Madrid

Back in January, Celtic were reported to have missed out on Romania international Horatiu Moldovan, who moved from Rapid Bucharest to Atletico Madrid despite interest from the Bhoys, Ludogorets, Basel and Sevilla.

Despite this, he has now claimed that he could leave the Spanish capital this summer or in the winter market, citing a need to play regular minutes at this stage in his career.

He explained [Tare de tot cu Viorel Grigoroiu]: “I want to leave Atletico Madrid in the summer or winter. I don’t know if I’ll leave now, because it depends on what I do at the Euros with Romania. It depends on the opportunities that arise. But I definitely want to leave to play.

“If a good team from a big league presents itself to me, then I want to go We will see what offers appear. You can’t reject Atletico. But I want to play.”

Per Transfermarkt, Moldovan hasn’t played a single minute under Diego Simeone. However, he did make 23 appearances for Rapid Bucharest in 2023/24, keeping ten clean sheets.

On the eye, he wouldn’t be a bad option to bolster the ranks between the sticks, but it is unclear if Celtic would look to reignite their admiration for the 11-cap Romania international.

His country will be involved at EURO 2024, so if Edward Iordanescu trusts him to start, there may be a chance to gain a broader understanding of his game over the coming week.