Last summer, Fabio Paratici decided to offload Joe Hart to Scottish Premiership leaders Celtic and bring in Pierluigi Gollini. It is a move that has been scrutinised, and Wednesday was further proof of the blunder.
Hart, 34, signed for Celtic last summer on a deal Fabrizio Romano reported to be £15,000 a week until May 2024. It comes after just 10 appearances for Tottenham during the 2020-21 season – in which he kept five clean sheets.
Ange Postecoglou has been heavily praised for his work in the transfer market at Celtic, bringing in the likes of Jota, Kyogo, Reo Hatate and Cameron Carter-Vickers – the latter on loan from Tottenham at Celtic.
Despite his lack of action as Tottenham’s back-up goalkeeper, Hart has been pivotal to Celtic’s success this season – which also includes a League Cup. Clocking up 35 appearances already, Hart has conceded just 31 goals.
In that time, he has 17 clean sheets and his last one came on Wednesday night during the latest Old Firm derby – a brilliant 3-0 win over Rangers. Hart was imperious at the back, commanding his defence to perfection.
Hart or Gollini: Tottenham made a mistake selling to Celtic
Gollini, on the other hand, came in to replace Hart. Paratici brought the Italy international to the club on a loan-to-buy deal – with a permanent clause said to be worth £13million (Sun) if Spurs choose to sign him.
But already, it is claimed Gollini is already unhappy at Tottenham and wants to leave – instead of signing permanently. Indeed, his form will hardly convince Spurs to keep him – and Hugo Lloris has signed a new deal.
Surely, with Hart in stunning form north of the border and Gollini overrated at £13million and unlikely to stay, Spurs would have been much better served simply keeping the 75-time England star?
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