Celtic have been tipped to make a January move for the 29-year-old goalkeeper Balazs Toth amid the club’s recent struggles between the posts.
The Hungarian international currently plies his trade at Championship side Blackburn Rovers. His situation has suddenly become relevant again for the Hoops.
Going into the summer transfer window, it was quite clear that Celtic needed to sign a quality goalkeeper. Kasper Schmeichel, who had been the club’s first-choice between the posts up until a serious injury, had retired in the summer.
Summer Window Left Questions Unanswered
Viljami Sinisalo was the new number one but there were question marks over his ability to hold on to that position. The Finnish international had shown promise yet lacked the consistent elite-level experience many supporters demanded.
It would have made sense for Celtic to go out and sign someone capable of competing for that first-team spot with Sinisalo. All summer long, they were linked with several interesting options who seemed capable of that.
Eventually, though, Celtic did not sign any of them. Instead, they ended up bringing in 33-year-old English goalkeeper Sam Johnstone on loan from Wolve
s.
Johnstone Yet to Displace Sinisalo
So far, Johnstone has not been able to get ahead of Sinisalo in the pecking order. The experienced former England international has featured only sparingly since his arrival.
The issue is that Sinisalo himself has faced his struggles this season. Clean sheets have been hard to come by in tougher matches, and distribution from the back has occasionally invited pressure.
Celtic could do with another starting-level goalkeeper. That should give Martin O’Neill something to think about going into the winter transfer window.
Toth Situation Opens Fresh Opportunity
It appears they might be going back for one of their rumoured transfer targets from the summer window. The player might already be setting himself up for a move.
Balazs Toth of Blackburn Rovers is someone Celtic were linked with quite heavily in the summer transfer window. A move did not end up happening at the time.
Now, as reported by Alan Nixon via The Herald, Toth is not currently open to signing an extension with Blackburn Rovers despite his deal expiring next summer.
Two Clear Paths for Celtic
Obviously, if that remains the case, it opens up two opportunities for Celtic. Firstly, they can sign him on a pre-contract deal in January, with him making the move to Parkhead next summer.
Secondly, they can just close the matter by signing him permanently in the January window itself for what would most likely be a bargain transfer fee. Blackburn would prefer not to lose him for nothing.
If Sinisalo continues to struggle in goal, the second option should be given serious consideration. That is for sure.
Celtic’s Current League Context
Celtic sit top of the Scottish Premiership after nine matches with 24 points from eight wins and one defeat. Their goal difference of plus 18 underlines the attacking threat they have shown domestically.
A emphatic 7-1 thrashing of Hearts at Celtic Park provided a timely boost. It followed a solid 2-0 win away at Motherwell that restored them to the summit.
Yet the European campaign has been far more difficult. Heavy defeats to Ferencvaros and Benfica have left the Hoops without a point in the Europa League so far.
Tactical Demands on the Goalkeeper
Martin O’Neill’s side often look to build from the back with progressive passing. That places a premium on a goalkeeper who can distribute accurately under pressure.
Sinisalo has improved in certain areas but remains average in longer-range distribution compared to the very best. Johnstone offers experience yet has not forced his way into regular selection.
Supporters have grown restless after watching the team ship goals too easily in Europe. Many feel a more reliable long-term option is required before the title race intensifies.
Assessing Toth’s Numbers This Season
It remains to be seen if Celtic do end up making a move for Toth this winter or not. On paper, it is hard to see why the Hoops continue to chase his signature so keenly.
He has outperformed his expected goals on target faced by 0.75 goals. Importantly, he has not made an error leading to a goal so far this season in the Championship.
Other than that, there has not been anything outstanding about Toth’s game. His shot-stopping remains solid without being spectacular.
Distribution Remains a Concern
His passing and distribution numbers are below average when compared to other Championship goalkeepers. That could prove a limiting factor in a Celtic side that demands composure on the ball.
Toth is average when it comes to pure shot-stopping as well. He has produced occasional heroic displays, including a string of important saves in a recent 1-0 win at Bristol City.
Blackburn manager Tony Mowbray has publicly praised those performances and still hopes to persuade the Hungarian to stay. Conversations remain ongoing at Ewood Park.
Fan Reaction and Expectations
Celtic supporters have mixed feelings about another pursuit of Toth. Some remember the summer links and believe a permanent deal now makes sense given the contract situation.
Others question whether a Championship goalkeeper represents the step up required. They point to the demands of both domestic title challenges and European nights.
Online discussion has focused on the need for competition. Many feel Sinisalo would benefit from a genuine rival rather than a temporary loan option.
January Timing Feels Right
The winter window offers Celtic a chance to address the position without waiting until next summer. A pre-contract would secure the player for free while allowing him to finish the season at Blackburn.
A permanent January transfer would provide immediate cover and competition. Given the likely fee, the risk appears relatively low.
O’Neill has shown pragmatism in the market. He will weigh the current form of both Sinisalo and Johnstone carefully before deciding.
Looking Ahead to the Rest of the Season
Celtic remain clear favourites to retain the Premiership title. Their attacking output has been impressive, but defensive solidity will decide how comfortable the run-in becomes.
European progress looks more challenging after the early setbacks. A reliable goalkeeper who can command his box and organise the defence will be vital if they are to recover.
Toth’s Hungary international experience adds another layer of appeal. He has shown he can handle pressure situations at Championship level.
Will the Deal Finally Happen?
So, if Celtic do end up signing Toth, it would be interesting to see if he proves to be a success story at Parkhead or not. The data suggests a solid rather than spectacular performer.
Yet football is rarely decided by numbers alone. Confidence, competition and the unique atmosphere at Celtic Park can elevate a player beyond previous levels.
The coming weeks will reveal whether the Hoops decide to act. With the January window approaching, the goalkeeping situation remains one of the key storylines at the club.
Supporters will watch developments closely. Another summer of relative inactivity in the position is unlikely to be tolerated if results begin to slip.
For now, the door has opened again for Balazs Toth. Whether Celtic walk through it remains the biggest question heading into the winter.