Celtic dealt major transfer blow in goalkeeper search

Celtic have reportedly been dealt a major blow in their search for a new No.1 goalkeeper.

Koen Casteels was believed to be a top target for Brendan Rodgers and his recruitment team this summer.

It comes amid Joe Hart’s retirement from football, as the champions seek to find a new, experienced player between the sticks.

Belgian international Casteels is now said to have decided on his next club after leaving Wolfsburg recently.

But it’s bad news for Celtic, as it’s not the Scottish Premiership champions.

HLNB states that the 31-year-old will be the next big name to head for the Middle East and join the football revolution in Saudi Arabia.

READ MORE: Check all the Celtic transfer news & rumours before the transfer window

Recently promoted Al Qadsiah are ready to spend big this summer as they aim to build a squad capable of surviving in the Pro League.

And they see Casteels as a viable option as a free agent to come in as a new No.1.

The towering keeper admitted that he wanted to have his future tied up before this summer’s European Championships, where he will feature for Belgium.

It was hoped by the Hoops that having the carrot of Champions League phase football next term would be enough to convince Casteels to join them, but it seems they have missed out.

So, the search for Hart’s long-term replacement rages on, with Liverpool’s Caoimhin Kelleher another who has been heavily linked with the post.