Former Celtic hero to become free agent next month

After clinching the Europa League title against Manchester United in Bilbao, Tottenham Hotspur are reshaping their squad in preparation for a Champions League campaign in North London and abroad.

But Fraser Forster, the former England goalkeeper, will NOT be part of those plans – PA reports that Spurs will not extend his contract, nor those of Alfie Whiteman and Sergio Reguilon, with all three set to become free agents at the end of next month.

The imposing goalkeeper joined Spurs on a free transfer after leaving Southampton – where he had previously arrived from Celtic – and has spent the last three seasons at the club under both Antonio Conte and Ange Postecoglou.

It was during his time at the Hoops that Forster truly rose to prominence, initially joining on a two-season loan from Newcastle United before securing a permanent move in 2012.

Over the course of two stints with Celtic – from 2010 to 2014 and again from 2019 to 2020 – he racked up 236 appearances, recording an impressive 118 clean sheets during that time.

While in Scotland, Forster claimed seven major trophies – four Premiership titles, two Scottish Cups, and a League Cup – and is especially remembered for standout displays against the likes of Barcelona, Lazio, and theRangers.

In the Barcelona matches of 2012, his exceptional performances earned him the nickname “La Gran Muralla” [The Great Wall] from the Spanish press.

In the second historic encounter against the Catalan club that season, goals from Victor Wanyama and Tony Watt sealed a historic victory at Celtic Park, capping off an unforgettable evening shortly after the club’s 125th anniversary celebrations. Forster denied Barcelona’s top players for most of the match, conceding only a late goal from Lionel Messi.

Conor Spence