{"id":253926,"date":"2026-07-20T19:20:14","date_gmt":"2026-07-20T19:20:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sports.runfyers.com\/index.php\/2026\/07\/20\/celtic-now-want-to-sign-usa-star-who-once-rejected-man-united\/"},"modified":"2026-07-20T19:20:14","modified_gmt":"2026-07-20T19:20:14","slug":"celtic-now-want-to-sign-usa-star-who-once-rejected-man-united","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sports.runfyers.com\/index.php\/2026\/07\/20\/celtic-now-want-to-sign-usa-star-who-once-rejected-man-united\/","title":{"rendered":"Celtic now want to sign USA ‘star’ who once rejected Man United"},"content":{"rendered":"

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Celtic<\/a> now want to sign USA international goalkeeper Matt Freese, and he could be an interesting option.<\/p>\n

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Freese has never followed the obvious path, and that is one of the reasons he has become such an interesting goalkeeper.<\/p>\n

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Long before establishing himself with New York City FC and the USA national team, Freese turned down the chance to join Man United<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Rather than signing an apprenticeship at Old Trafford, he chose to study at Harvard, believing it was the right decision for both his education and his football development. Looking back now, it is hard to argue with the outcome.<\/p>\n

After beginning his professional career with Philadelphia Union, Freese truly flourished following his move to NYCFC in 2023.<\/p>\n

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Football FanCast’s Verdict<\/p>\n<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n

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Credibility<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/th>\n

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MLS Transfers has developed a following for reporting transfer news involving MLS football. Although it is not yet regarded alongside the most established football journalists, the outlet has broken accurate stories previously, but reports of interest should be viewed as early information until confirmed by larger media organisations or the clubs involved.<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

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Finances<\/p>\n<\/th>\n

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Freese recently signed a contract extension with New York City until the end of 2030, placing the MLS club in a strong negotiating position. Celtic would likely need to pay a significant fee for an American international in his prime, particularly if English clubs become involved in the bidding.<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

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Insight<\/p>\n<\/th>\n

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His decision to reject United and attend Harvard showed confidence in his own development path. Strong reflexes, calm distribution and leadership have since helped him become both NYCFC’s first-choice goalkeeper and an established USA international.<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

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Impact<\/p>\n<\/th>\n

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Signing Freese would give Celtic a new long-term number one. His ability with the ball suits O’Neill’s style, while his experience of handling pressure in the MLS and international football suggests he has the mentality needed to thrive at Parkhead.<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table><\/div>\n

His consistency, leadership and shot-stopping helped him become one of the MLS’ standout goalkeepers before earning the USA’s number one shirt.<\/p>\n

Former USA captain Landon Donovan<\/a> even described Freese as a ‘star’ after his penalty shootout heroics in the Gold Cup quarter-final win over Costa Rica last summer.<\/p>\n

It is easy to see why Celtic are looking.<\/p>\n

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Kasper Schmeichel has now retired with the club targeting his replacement<\/a>, and Freese is entering his prime, has already dealt with the pressure of international football and has shown he is comfortable building attacks from the back as well as making important saves.<\/p>\n

Moving from MLS to the pressures of Glasgow would undoubtedly represent a huge step, but the ingredients are there for an exciting long-term successor between the posts.<\/p>\n

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\n Celtic eyeing move for New York City keeper Matt Freese<\/strong>
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According to MLS Transfers, Celtic have joined the growing list of clubs eyeing a move for Freese this summer.<\/p>\n

The report claims the Scottish champions are interested in the NYCFC keeper, while adding that several English clubs are also firmly in the race for his signature.<\/p>\n

No formal offer is said to have been made at this stage, but the interest appears genuine as Freese’s reputation continues to grow.<\/p>\n

Competition could become the biggest obstacle.<\/p>\n

Premier League clubs can often offer larger salaries and the attraction of playing in England, while NYCFC are under little pressure to sell after tying Freese down to a contract running until the end of 2030.<\/p>\n