As Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers navigates the crucial last few days of the summer transfer window, former Hoops star Paul Lambert believes that one signing already stands out as a potential game-changer for the club.
Despite more work needed to finalize the squad, Rodgers has made significant moves, bringing in four new players: goalkeeper Viljami Sinisalo, veteran shot-stopper Kasper Schmeichel, midfielder Paulo Bernardo, and £9.5 million striker Adam Idah.
While much of the attention has centred on the high-profile acquisition of Idah, Lambert argues that it’s Schmeichel’s arrival that could play a pivotal role in Celtic’s quest to retain their Scottish Premiership title.
Kasper Schmeichel: A Vital Addition to Celtic’s Defence
In a recent interview with The Sunday Post [via their print edition on page 76], Lambert praised the signing of Kasper Schmeichel, describing the Danish goalkeeper as an “inspired” choice by Rodgers. Lambert, a Celtic legend himself, emphasized Schmeichel’s ability to fill the void left by former goalkeeper Joe Hart, highlighting the importance of a reliable and commanding presence between the posts.
“Kasper is an inspired signing,” Lambert stated. “Replacing Joe was always going to require someone special, and Brendan found the perfect guy in Kasper. The goalkeeping position is crucial, and Kasper could be worth 20 points to Celtic this season. He has the stature, he’s solid, and you know he won’t let you down. Plus, he’ll be an inspiration to those around him.”
Schmeichel Already Winning Over Celtic Fans
Though Schmeichel has yet to face many domestic challenges, his performance during Celtic’s U.S. Tour, particularly against Chelsea, has already endeared him to the Parkhead faithful. The Denmark international’s presence and experience have quickly made him a popular figure among Celtic supporters, suggesting that he could be a key asset in the upcoming season.
As Rodgers continues to shape his squad, the acquisition of Schmeichel appears to be a masterstroke—one that could provide the foundation for another successful campaign at Celtic Park.
Kasper Schmeichel has exhibited a composed and confident presence, displaying impressive ball-handling skills that suggest he will be a solid replacement for Joe Hart.
Having already made three domestic appearances for Celtic, Schmeichel is set to face his first major challenge in the Champions League. His performances for Denmark during Euro 2024, however, offer promising signs that Brendan Rodgers has secured a goalkeeper capable of thriving in high-pressure situations.
