According to a new update from The Brabrants Dagblad [via Inside Futbol], Celtic want to sign RKC Waalwijk goalkeeper Etienne Vaessen this summer. The report states that the 28-year-old is seen as a potential successor to the outgoing Hart, as the Hoops look to bring in a perfect replacement.
Vaeseen, despite lacking the long-standing reputation and pedigree of Celtic’s existing goalie, could be a solid option to step in and cover for Hart. He would be viewed as a long-term addition because, at 28, he is still very youthful for a goalkeeper—many in the modern game peak in their 30s and play until they are roughly 40.
With 22 starts this season, he now has 109 appearances in the Eredivisie, demonstrating his ability to thrive in a major European league.
Thankfully, Vaessen made a full recovery from his horrific head injury against Ajax earlier in the season, which forced the game to be abandoned due to its severity. He has since continued to be an important player for RKC during the 2023–24 campaign.
Should Celtic decide that the Dutchman is the strongest candidate to replace Hart in the summer, his response to such a catastrophic injury likely speaks volumes about his mental toughness and will be a further asset to his game.
