Pundit reacts to Celtic’s interest in an Ipswich Town player

admin | January 4, 2024 | Other Clubs | No Comments

Ipswich Town have been the Championship’s surprise package this season, with many expecting them to do well after finishing second in League One in 2022-23. Instead, they are currently second in the second division.

Many members of Kieran McKenna’s side have performed wonderfully, and one of those who has been given an unexpected opportunity to shine is goalkeeper Vaclav Hladky.

Hladky was signed by Paul Cook in 2021 after hugely impressing for Salford City in League Two, but after starting as his first-choice, he was swiftly overtaken by another addition from that year, Christian Walton.

Hladky had to sit back and watch Walton become one of the greatest goalkeepers in League One since October 2021, but an injury to the tall stopper in pre-season saw McKenna give his understudy a chance – and he took it in stride.

Hladky has kept nine clean sheets in all 26 Championship matches this season, and aside from the defense letting him down in recent games, he has been one of the greatest goalkeepers in the entire division.

Despite his advanced age, Hladky’s improved play has piqued the interest of other clubs, including Scottish giants Celtic, according to iSport in his native Czech Republic.

The goalkeeper has already played north of the border for St. Mirren, where he was one of the greatest players in his position in the Scottish Premiership, and over four years after leaving for England, he is sought by the Hoops once more.

Palmer: Hladky should stay at Ipswich for potential Premier League glory – but money talks

While Celtic may be an appealing option for certain players, former England star Carlton Palmer believes Hladky should stay at Portman Road in order to push the Tractor Boys over the line and into the Premier League.

“A lot of Ipswich Town players are attracting interest from other clubs, which is hardly surprising given their success over the last 18 months,” Palmer said when speaking to Football League World.

“I believe 11 Ipswich players could sign a pre-contract agreement elsewhere in January, and Celtic are reportedly keen on signing Ipswich’s Czech international goalkeeper Vaclav Hladky.

“Vaclav, who is 33, is out of contract at the end of the season.

“With the players out of contract at the end of the season, Ipswich are in a strong position – the players will keep performing because they want to get promoted to the Premier League, and back-to-back promotions would cement their place in Ipswich folklore for years to come, and whether they sign new contracts or not, other clubs will be interested in them on free transfers and they can command good salaries.”

“For Ipswich, who did not make wholesale changes after being promoted to the Championship, it gives them the opportunity, if they are promoted to the Premier League, to let go of players they do not believe will be good enough at that level.”

“The only issue is if players heads get turned speaking to other clubs, such as Vaclav, in this case he could sign a pre-contract with Celtic in January.

“For me, personally, achieving back-to-back promotions to the Premier League is a huge pull, but with agents and players, money always talks.”

Ipswich Town losing Hladky to Celtic wouldn’t be the end of the world

Hladky has been in excellent form for Ipswich this season, and given his previous performances in Scotland, it’s no surprise that Brendan Rodgers would want to add him to his team on the cheap.

Celtic compete in European play every season, therefore it would not be surprising if Hladky’s head is turned, whether on a pre-contract or an immediate transfer.

Hladky, although being 33 years old, could still compete with Joe Hart, who is three years his senior.

Hladky may be thinking that if Ipswich do make the Premier League, they will replace him in goal with someone younger, and with Walton as backup, it’s not like he would be the biggest miss in the world despite his recent play.

Should Hladky chose to join Celtic, it would not be the end of the world for McKenna and co.