Celtic have announced the signing of vastly experienced goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel a one-year deal.
The 37-year-old becomes the Hoops' second shot-stopper signing in a matter of days following the arrival of Viljami Sinisalo from Aston Villa.
Schmeichel joins Celtic as a free agent and makes the moves to Scotland after spending last season at Belgium outfit Anderlecht, where he made 32 appearances in all competitions.
The 105-cap Denmark international reunites with manager Brendan Rodgers for whom he worked under for four years during his legendary spell at Leicester City.
Between 2011 and 2022, Schmeichel made 479 appearances for Leicester and was a key member of the Foxes side that defined all the odds to win the 2015-16 Premier League title.
Schmeichel had previously won the Championship title with Leicester in 2013-14, while he also celebrated winning the FA Cup and the Community Shield in 2021 during his time with the English club.
🆕 Velkommen, Kasper!
— Celtic Football Club (@CelticFC) July 18, 2024
🇩🇰 Danish Euro 2024 captain and goalkeeper, Kasper Schmeichel, joins #CelticFC on a one-year deal - subject to international clearance. ✍️#KasperAnnounced🍀
Schmeichel 'excited to follow in the footsteps of giants'
Celtic have swooped for Schmeichel following the departure of fellow 37-year-old Joe Hart, who announced his retirement from football at the end of last season after spending three years at Parkhead.
"A dream come true to sign for a club with such a rich legacy as Celtic," Schmeichel posted on X. "Excited to be part of this historic club and follow in the footsteps of giants. A new journey starts, can't wait to get to work!"
Speaking to Celtic's official website, Schmeichel added: "I am absolutely delighted to join Celtic and can't wait to get started. Celtic is one of the world's proper football clubs, a massive name and a place of real passion and success. Celtic is what football is all about.
"I know Brendan very well, too. He is a top manager and someone I can't wait to work with again. I'm really looking forward to meeting up with the boys in America and start our work and then, of course, meet our fans who bring so much to Celtic.
"I will be doing all I can to keep Celtic on top and bring these brilliant supporters more and more success."
© Reuters
Rodgers: 'Schmeichel is a real quality keeper'
Rodgers continued: "I am really pleased to bring Kasper to Celtic. He is a real quality keeper and someone with the ability and personality to be great for us.
"He is a guy I trust and someone who knows how to win. He lives for football and he is coming to a club where he will feel the same passion that he has for the game.
"I know he will feel right at home at Celtic and we look forward to working with him as we all aim for more success."
Celtic have confirmed that Schmeichel will meet up with his new teammates on their pre-season tour of the United States ahead of a friendly encounter with MLS side DC United on Saturday.
Oliver Thomas
