Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers will be keen to bolster his ranks this summer once the current campaign comes to an end.
Evaluating the squad, it is clear that the goalkeeping position will require surgery following the news that Joe Hart is retiring in a few months.
Speculation has already done the rounds regarding his potential replacement, with RC Waalwijk goalkeeper Ettiene Vaessen, Trabzonspor stopper Ugurcan Cakir, and Liverpool’s Caoimhin Kelleher all mentioned across media circles.
Further up the pitch, decisions also need to be made on Adam Idah and Paulo Bernardo, who will be scheduled to return to their parent clubs at the end of the season.
Portugal Under-21 midfielder Bernardo is mooted to have a buyout clause in his agreement worth £6.4 million; however, it remains to be seen whether Rodgers acts to bring him to Parkhead permanently.
On a different token, if Idah were to leave Celtic, there would be a space open across the front line for someone else to inherit moving into 2024/25.
Aberdeen striker Bojan Miovski and Brondby’s Mathias Kvistgaarden were linked with the Bhoys in January, though there would likely be a plethora of attacking talent available in the summer window.
Peter Grant endorses Celtic swoop for Sammie Szmodics
Blackburn Rovers man Sammie Szmodics has been in incredible form this campaign, registering 27 goals and three assists in 40 appearances across all competitions [Transfermarkt].
Despite not being an out-and-out number nine, the 28-year-old is a versatile presence who can also operate behind the striker or on the left flank.
He earned his Republic of Ireland international debut against Belgium last weekend followed by a second outing against Switzerland over the international break.
Speaking on the Go Radio Football Show, former Celtic midfielder Peter Grant has talked up the possibility of his old side swooping for the Colchester-born man in the summer.
He explained: “He’s not a striker; he scores a hell of a lot of goals, I seen him as a youngster before he got his move to Peterborough, at Colchester, and I was really impressed with him
“I like going to games and not knowing who the personnel are. Some people jump out at you, and he jumped out at me, and I thought ‘, this kid can play’, and then not long after that, he went to Peterborough.”
Grant added when asked whether he would be a good signing for the Bhoys: “He’s a goal threat, he scored goals, the Championship is a really difficult league, and if you’re not playing with one of the top sides, it’s even harder, and he’s constantly scored goals. He’s just a good footballer above anything else with an eye for a goal, a very good eye for a goal in big moments.”
The 58-year-old finished up when questioned over his suitability to Rodgers’ style: “(He’s) anybody’s type of player really, anybody who can score goals. If he’s still in contract, he’ll cost a pretty penny; anyone who scores goals in the Championship will cost a right few bob anyway.”
Pressed on a potential price tag, Grant said: “Nearly £10 million.”
Sammie Szmodics would be a shrewd addition at Celtic
Financially, it remains to be seen what type of fee Szmodics may command this summer, with Brentford and Luton Town also monitoring his situation [The Sun].
Nevertheless, his penchant for causing havoc is evident. According to Sofascore, the Irishman has also created five big chances, showing an intuitive side to his game.
Celtic will run the rule over a plethora of options this summer, and exploring a move for Szmodics wouldn’t be a bad suggestion to follow.