Xavi says Celtic’s Fraser Forster can become Barcelona’s new number 1

Celtic keeper Fraser Forster

Since joining Celtic from Newcastle, Fraser Forster has put in a series of impressive performances that have caught the eye of the football clubs across Europe.

Forster is even close to displacing Joe Hart as England’s custodian on the international stage.

Now, Barcelona midfielder Xavi has come out and said that he believes the 25-year-old Englishman has what it takes to succeed at a club like Barcelona. It is no surprise really considering how Forster thwarted Barca in their two encounters against Celtic in last season’s UEFA Champions League.

Barca’s current keeper Victor Valdes is set to leave the club at the end of the season, and the club are on the lookout for a replacement.

“I think the players all know about the Forster interest – and it is a player we know very well,” said Xavi.

“I can’t say that I watch him every week – but when we have played Celtic he has shown that he is a world-class goalkeeper.”

“From what I have seen he has everything to succeed at a club like Barcelona – and with his Champions League performances for Celtic I am sure there will be more than one big club interested in him.”

Celtic boss Neil Lennon is only too aware that Forster’s departure for a bigger club is only a matter of time.

“It’s going to be impossible to keep Fraser, the way he’s playing,’ Lennon said. ‘Inevitably, I think a huge club will come in and make a huge bid for him”