Celtic reportedly want Premier League star who has a "love-hate" relationship with Tom Rogic

By Will Butcher

Celtic are reportedly keen on signing Brighton goalkeeper Mat Ryan this summer, as Ange Postecoglou gets to work as Hoops manager. The Socceroos ace worked under Postecoglou during the latter’s spell at Australia – and he has admitted a “love-hate” relationship with Tom Rogic.

Ryan, 29, was on loan at Arsenal during the second half of the 2020-21 campaign but only played three times. However, he was loaned out by Brighton in the first place having seen his relationship with the club’s management break down. Arsenal are also interested in his services.

The Hoops need a goalkeeper this summer, among other positions. Indeed, Vasilis Barkas has struggled since joining from AEK Athens – while Scott Bain and Conor Hazard are not seen as first-choice options. Ryan, who earns £35,000 a week (Spotrac), has 12 months left on his contract.

The Sun claim Celtic want Ryan. Speaking in June 2019, Ryan spoke of how he and Celtic midfielder Rogic are either “at peace or war” and that they have clashed before while on duty with Australia. Certainly, the duo could end up being teammates now both internationally and at club level.

“With Tom Rogic, we have a love-hate relationship,” Ryan told Fox Sports in 2019. “We’re either at peace, or at war. There’s no in between with him. He knows the right way to wind me up and vice versa. We’ve had a few clashes. I used to steal his phone for a long time, didn’t take too well to that.”

Ryan would be a brilliant signing for Celtic, despite Rogic clashes

Celtic need a goalkeeper. One that is confidence, one with international experience, one that is commanding. They need a goalkeeper that can finally end what has become a problem area at Parkhead over the past 12 months. Ryan would be a stunning addition for the Scottish giants.

That is, even if he clashes with Rogic. At the end of the day, there are always divisions within a dressing room and if Ryan ends up on the books at Celtic – the bond between Ryan and Rogic is only going to improve, or worsen. It would be a brilliant signing for Celtic even if the two do not get on.