Vaclav Hladky is officially a free agent amid links with a move to Celtic. The former St Mirren goalkeeper has departed Ipswich Town following the end of his contract today on Monday, July 1.
He played a major role in the Suffolk side’s incredible back-to-back promotion from League One to the Premier League, playing every single match of the Championship campaign last term.
A statement by Ipswich reads: “Vaclav Hladky has left the Club following the expiration of his contract.
“The Czech goalkeeper, who featured in every game for the Blues in last season’s promotion-winning campaign, made a total of 71 appearances during his time at Portman Road.
“Now 33, Vas arrived in Suffolk from Salford City and made his debut for Town at home to Morecambe on the opening day of the 2021/22 campaign.
“The Club thanks Vas for his time at Town, and he departs with our very best wishes for the future.”
It was the Czech’s form for the Buddies during the 2020/21 season that saw him earn a move to England. He originally joined Salford City before linking up with Ipswich.
He claims he previously turned down a move to Rangers, amid his desire to play in England.
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Now, it seems likely interest from clubs north and south of the border will be sparked again.
Celtic were linked with him back in January, with reports in his homeland claiming the Scottish Premiership champions had registered their interest.
“If you are in a good position and playing well in the Championship and obviously the team is doing well as well, that’s something which makes other clubs interested,” Hladky said as he addressed the speculation. “I think everybody in this squad can go and play anywhere else. It’s nice, it’s good to hear it and listen, I’m just going to carry on and I want to push more.
“I believe there is a lot more to deliver and it’s great to be in that position.
“Obviously it’s great to be in this position and I want to just deliver everything that I’m capable of every game.”
Hladky’s agent, Martin Stepanovsky, said at the time: “We have some teams registering inquiries, which is understandable given Vaclav’s performances, the position of Ipswich and the expiring contract.
“However, the priority is to agree on an extension and advance to the Premier League.”
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