Joe Hart’s career now in limbo

It has been a strange couple of years for Manchester City goalkeeper Joe Hart. Two years ago, he was Manchester City and England number one. Some regarded him as one of the best goalkeepers in the world.

However, some poor performances at Euro 2016 and Pep Guardiola’s arrival at Manchester City completely transformed Harts career for the worse. He is now in limbo at City, despite currently being with the City squad on their US tour.

Not Guardiola’s type of goalkeeper

Guardiola made it clear as soon as he arrived in Manchester that Hart was not in his plans. The England international had been the Citizens first-choice ‘keeper for nearly a decade. However, Guardiola cared little for that and knew he would not fit into his style of play.

The former Barcelona boss first raided his former club to sign Claudio Bravo before Brazilian Ederson came in last summer to replace the Chilean international. Both goalkeepers are better with their feet than Hart.

Hart has found himself loaned out at Torino and West Ham in the last two seasons. In truth, he has failed to impress in either temporary spell away from City. Neither club wanted or could afford to sign Hart on a permanent basis.

Searching for a solution

He is now back at City, where he has no chance of playing in the new season. City boss Guardiola has stated that the club is searching for a solution for Joe Hart. In other words, they are attempting to find a club willing to pay the 31-year-olds big wages.

Guardiola has praised Hart’s professionalism and stated that if he is not sold, then he will be back with us. That means the 31-year-old will suddenly be Manchester City’s third-choice goalkeeper, what a come down from two years ago.

Somewhat unusually, Hart has not really been linked with any clubs this summer. There is a genuine possibility that he may well be set to spend the new season as third choice at City, while his main contribution is likely to be making up the numbers as a homegrown player for Premier League regulations.

If this is the case, it is a sad fall from grace for a goalkeeper who was once a very successful member of a winning Manchester City squad. In fact, he won two Premier League title-winning medals with the Citizens.

City the team to watch once again this season

Joe Hart may not appear much for the Citizens in season 2018/19. However, Manchester City are still the team to watch in the Premier League in the new season. The champions are currently favourites to win the Premier League title in the new campaign.

City’s only summer arrival so far has been Algerian winger Riyad Mahrez, who finally completed his protracted move from Leicester. Even without new signings Manchester City have a formidable squad.

It seems unlikely that Hart will be in their squad once the season kick-offs and the transfer window closes. Championship Birmingham are currently the favourites to sign Hart at odds of 5/2. Joining a Championship club would be another blow to Hart and his flagging career after such success in the early stages.

Joe Hart was once a very highly-rated goalkeeper. However, at times he came across as cocky and believed his own hype. However, the former England goalkeeper is almost on the scrapheap, which is surprising considering he is still just 31-years of age.

Joe Hart’s next step remains to be seen. However, it must be hard for the player to accept his situation. Hopefully, the last two years have made him stronger, and he can revive his career wherever he ends up this summer.

Where will Joe Hart be plying his trade in season 2018/19?