Rival Fans React as Sky Sports & BBC Confirm Top Star Gives Green Light to Celtic Almost Done Deal!

Celtic are set to welcome a familiar face back to Parkhead as Ross Doohan prepares to re sign for the club on a free transfer from Aberdeen. The 26 year old goalkeeper, who originally came through the youth ranks at Celtic, is poised to return following the expiration of his contract at Pittodrie. The move is viewed as a smart and strategic decision by Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers, who is looking to reinforce his squad with homegrown talent to meet UEFA competition requirements.

Doohan’s impending return comes at a time of flux within the Celtic goalkeeping department. While Joe Hart has announced his retirement at the end of the 2024/25 season and Benjamin Siegrist’s future remains uncertain, it’s expected that Scott Bain will also be allowed to leave the club during the summer window. That would leave a void in the homegrown quota required for European competitions, which stipulates a certain number of club-trained or Scottish-trained players in the registered squad. By bringing in Doohan, who qualifies as a Scottish-trained player, Celtic ensure compliance with UEFA’s regulations while adding depth to their goalkeeping options.

Born in Clydebank, Doohan joined Celtic’s academy as a teenager and developed through the youth system, representing Scotland at various youth international levels along the way. While he never made a senior competitive appearance for Celtic during his first spell, he gained valuable first-team experience through a series of loan moves. These included stints at Ayr United, Ross County, Dundee United, and Tranmere Rovers, where he gained a reputation as a reliable and composed shot-stopper.

After his permanent departure from Celtic in early 2023, Doohan signed for Tranmere Rovers, but his time there was short-lived as he moved to Forest Green Rovers and then to Aberdeen within the same year. Although he did not establish himself as a first-choice keeper at Aberdeen, he remained a solid backup and continued to develop his skills under the pressure of Premiership football. His return to Celtic now offers him a second chance to prove himself at a top club and potentially stake a claim for more regular first-team involvement.

From Celtic’s perspective, Doohan’s return is low risk but potentially high reward. As a free agent, there is no transfer fee involved, and his familiarity with the club’s environment and expectations means he can integrate quickly. His Scottish nationality is another important asset, as Brendan Rodgers looks to strike a balance between assembling a competitive squad and satisfying the homegrown player requirements mandated by UEFA.

Brendan Rodgers has emphasized the importance of having a well-rounded squad with reliable backups in every position. While Doohan is not expected to immediately challenge for the number one shirt, his presence will provide healthy competition and ensure cover in case of injuries or suspensions. Moreover, his understanding of Scottish football and his experience across the divisions make him a dependable option in domestic cup ties and less critical league fixtures.

The move also represents a personal milestone for Doohan. Having developed within Celtic’s academy, the opportunity to return as a more seasoned professional could allow him to realize ambitions that eluded him during his first spell. There is often a special motivation for players who return to clubs where they began their careers, and Doohan will be keen to make a more lasting impression this time around.

Celtic fans may recall other academy graduates who returned to the club after spells elsewhere and went on to play important roles. While the pressure at a club like Celtic is always high, Doohan’s previous exposure to the environment will serve him well as he adapts to the demands of Rodgers’ team.

With pre-season around the corner and transfer activity expected to ramp up, Doohan’s signing may not be the headline-grabbing move fans anticipate, but it is one that fits into a broader strategy. It signals Celtic’s intent to strengthen smartly, building a squad capable of competing on multiple fronts while adhering to key structural rules that govern modern European football.

In an era where player registration rules can be as important as tactics on the pitch, Brendan Rodgers appears to be planning carefully. And in Ross Doohan, Celtic might just be getting a goalkeeper with unfinished business  and the potential to deliver when called upon.