Celtic Set To Rival Belgian Giants For This Experienced Custodian: Why His Profile Suits The Hoops’ Transfer Policy

Celtic Set To Rival Belgian Giants For This Experienced Custodian: Why His Profile Suits The Hoops’ Transfer Policy

If a recent report from Voetbal 24 is believed to be true, Celtic are keeping close tabs on Matt Ryan ahead of a potential summer move. The veteran custodian will be a free agent upon the expiration of his Levante contract; however, it won’t be a straightforward deal for the Glasgow giants, with Club Brugge also chasing his signing as Simon Mignolet’s successor.

The 34-year-old Australian international has been a journeyman since leaving his homeland 13 years ago. After his stints in New South Wales with Blacktown City and Central Coast Mariners, Ryan left for Club Brugge in the summer of 2013. He then joined Valencia a couple of years later, but returned to Belgium with Genk for the second half of the 2016-17 season.

However, the Socceroo star rose to fame with the then-newly promoted Brighton & Hove Albion, featuring 123 times for the English side. He also had a brief loan stint with Arsenal but eventually returned to Spain with Real Sociedad in the summer of 2021. Spells in Denmark, the Netherlands, Italy and France with Copenhagen, AZ, Roma and Lens, respectively, helped him gain experience across Europe before his Bosman move to Levante last summer.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – MARCH 30: Mathew Ryan of Australia participates in a drill during a Socceroos training session at AAMI Park on March 30, 2026 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Morgan Hancock/Getty Images)

Although Los Azulgranashave the option to trigger a one-year contract extension beyond this season, Ryan could seek a fresh challenge amid fears of relegation. He has been the ‘number 1’ for the La Liga strugglers and would therefore prefer a move if minutes are assured between the sticks.

Why Signing Ryan Suit Celtic And Their Transfer Strategy

Celtic have a tradition of recruiting experienced keepers who immediately hit the ground running as first choice. Joe Hart was a smart coup in the recent past, with Kasper Schmeichel being identified as his like-for-like replacement following the Englishman’s retirement two years back.

Meanwhile, the Danish ace, sidelined with a shoulder injury, has potentially played his last game for the Hoops. Viljami Sinilsao is making the opportunities count, but the young Finn might not be viewed as an immediate first-team regular.

Ryan has more than 500 senior appearances under his name in club football. He has also represented Australia more than 100 times over the past 14 years, and could still be viewed as the ‘number 1’ for years to come. His agility, reflexes, outing, shot-stopping and ball-playing attributes demonstrate the traits of a modern-day keeper. But the lack of consistency and a smaller reach at roughly 6 ft often troubled him in dealing with direct balls and set-pieces. Nevertheless, his profile suits the Celts, and it remains to be seen whether the interest intensifies in the coming days.