Joe Hart and James McCarthy have completed moves to Celtic from Tottenham Hotspur and Crystal Palace respectively. Double deals were announced for the duo on Tuesday afternoon – with the latter a free agent. Both have underlined their delight at signing for the Scottish giants.
Hart, 34, had dropped down the pecking order at Tottenham after Fabio Paratici lured Pierluigi Gollini to the club from Atalanta. McCarthy, 30, was one of a number of Palace players to be released by the Eagles. A boyhood Celtic fan, he now returns north of the border with Ange Postecoglou’s side.
England goalkeeper Hart had hinted a move was imminent with a post on his Instagram story. Moments later, and both players had been confirmed by Celtic – with the hope that they can be included for Thursday’s Europa League clash. McCarthy has signed a huge four-year deal.
Hart, meanwhile, has penned a deal which keeps him at Celtic until he is 37 years of age. It comes after entering the final 12 months of his contract at Tottenham, having only played 10 times for Spurs during 2020-21. Both spoke of their moves north of the border on Celtic’s website.
What have Hart and McCarthy said about their moves to Celtic?
Hart: “This is a great moment for me in my career. I am absolutely delighted to be joining a club of Celtic’s stature. I know just how big this club is and of the incredible support that it enjoys, and I can’t wait to play in front of the fans at Celtic Park.
“I’m looking forward to meeting up with my new team-mates now and getting to work with the squad. In particular, the other goalkeepers here.”
McCarthy: “To have signed for Celtic is a brilliant feeling. This is a special day for me and my family. I know all about the club, the size of it and all the success it’s enjoyed, particularly in recent years.
“I’m looking forward to pulling on the Hoops. Playing at Paradise and helping the team deliver more success to these amazing fans in the seasons ahead.”
