Celtic fans will have several questions they are keen to see answered this summer, which Brendan Rodgers is likely to use to enact alterations to his squad.
One of the support’s most pertinent queries will centre around who the Bhoys will bring in to replace retiring goalkeeper Joe Hart once the 2024/25 campaign rolls around.
Republic of Ireland stopper Caoimhin Kelleher, RC Waalwijk’s Ettiene Vaessen and Trabzonspor’s Ugurcan Cakir have been some of the names to enter discussion over the last few weeks.
The reality of Paulo Bernardo’s situation at Parkhead has also come into the spotlight recently amid reports that Celtic retain a buyout clause of roughly £6.4 million for the Portugal Under-21 international.
Rodgers and company will have the final decision on the 22-year-old, who did his prospects no harm by getting on the scoresheet against Livingston last weekend.
Loanee Adam Idah laid off Matt O’Riley for the third goal in West Lothian, taking his tally to five goals and two assists in ten appearances for the Hoops [Transfermarkt].
Unlike Bernardo, his agreement does not include an option to buy, making it difficult to predict what could happen regarding his long-term future in Glasgow.
Celtic find out where Adam Idah transfer prospects stand
According to Football Scotland journalist Mark Hendry, Celtic will need to wait until the summer to see whether they will be permitted to make a permanent approach for Idah.
If you don’t remember, Norwich City replaced the Irishman by signing mooted Hoops target Sydney van Hooijdonk on loan from Bologna in January, and the Canaries are believed to be non-commital on selling Idah until the 24-year-old proves his worth at Carrow Road after laying on a solitary assist in 11 matches.
Idah’s parent club are also waiting to see whether they are involved in the Premier League or Sky Bet Championship next season amid their race for promotion from the English second-tier.
In short, the Bhoys may need to play the long game if they are to acquire the Cork-born man on a full-time basis, as several factors could alter the trajectory of any potential deal.
Celtic should wait until the summer to make a decision on Idah
Football is a game dominated by recency bias, for better or worse. Idah has done a lot right since arriving at Parkhead; nevertheless, we should wait until his loan spell is over to evaluate if he can offer something long-term.
From observing his performances, it is clear the physical forward can certainly impact games. However, there will be other strikers on the market who can also offer Rodgers variety in the final third.
Despite the temptation to go all guns blazing, let’s wait and see how the entirety of his time at Parkhead plays out before making a decision.