Even though Petr Cech is only 30, it feels like he’s much older, and his dropping form in the last couple of years suggests that he isn’t exactly playing according to his age. While Chelsea aren’t planning to ditch their goalkeeper of almost a decade, they’re certainly looking at younger options, with Fraser Forster of Celtic an option to become his backup, and possibly heir, depending on other developments.
That development is Thibaut Courtois, maybe the highest rated young goalkeeper in European football today. The Belgian has been starting and impressing for Atletico Madrid over the last couple of years, while Russ Turnbull hasn’t been exactly impressing during the few opportunities he’s had. The problem with Courtois is that even though he seems like the right choice for the future keeper at Chelsea, he doesn’t want to be sitting on the bench behind Cech, but is also growing tired of being loaned out every season instead of stepping up and grabbing the first team jersey.
In light of his success with the team, it wouldn’t be surprising if Atletico Madrid do make a move for him in the summer, trying to make his stay permanent. If that does happen, Chelsea are certain to look for a high-quality backup to Petr Cech, one they feel might be their long-term answer to when the Czech goalkeeper retires, or simply becomes useless between the posts.
Forster doesn’t have too many rough tests in the SPL bust was very impressive for Celtic in the Champions League, including the two matches against Barcelona, in which Chelsea managed an away draw and a very impressive home win, shocking most people by making it into the knockout stage. The 25-year old, born in England, began his professional career with Newcastle, but never got a chance to play for the Magpies.
He was signed by Celtic in 2012 on a permanent deal after two excellent seasons on loan from the Premier League. He has appeared for the club 134 times in all competitions, and was named to the Champions League team of the week twice this season, in both matches against Barcelona.