Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers will be in the market for quality additions this summer to bolster his side’s prospects heading into 2024/25.
The Irishman will also need to make conclusive decisions on loanees Adam Idah and Paulo Bernardo, who are two players that don’t have clarity over their long-term futures at Parkhead.
Republic of Ireland international Idah’s situation is likely to be a waiting game for Celtic amid reports that we may need to wait until the summer before finding out if we will be able to make a permanent approach to sign the 23-year-old.
Norwich City are keen for one-time Hoops target Sydney van Hooijdonk to prove his worth before coming to a conclusion on the Cork-born man.
Stating the obvious, the goalkeeping position is also an area that will need strengthening for the Bhoys, with Joe Hart now only a couple of months off retiring from professional football.
Of course, there will be other areas earmarked and the likelihood of further interest in Matt O’Riley is high following attention from Atletico Madrid in January, which could mean Celtic are in the market for a new attacking midfielder as an additional priority.
More than anything, O’Riley’s impact north of the border has been a shining example of efficient recruitment, though it would remain to be seen whether the Hoops went down to same route with any potential replacement.
Carlton Palmer says Sammie Szmodics would be a Celtic success
In light of his excellent form at Blackburn Rovers, versatile attacker Sammie Szmodics has been spoken about as a prospective name for Celtic to target this summer by several pundits.
The Republic of Ireland international has enjoyed a fine campaign at Ewood Park, registering 29 goals and four assists in 42 appearances across all competitions [Transfermarkt].
Speaking to Football League World, former England international Carlton Palmer has claimed that Szmodics would be a ‘huge success’ at Parkhead, though he also believes his current employers would demand a pretty penny for his signature.
Palmer stated: “He’s having a magnificent season for Blackburn Rovers, the top scorer in the division. He’s in a struggling side, and we know what Blackburn’s situation is, where they look to bring players in and move them on for a significant profit.
“I don’t see any reason why he wouldn’t be a big success at Celtic, and it would be a good move for him.
“At 28, he’s experienced, and Brentford could see him as a good replacement for Ivan Toney, who is almost certain to leave in the summer.
“Szmodics will be in demand, especially if he keeps scoring goals from now until the end of the season. I could see him being a huge success up in Scotland should that move materialise.
“Rovers would rightly want a significant amount to let him go. Someone who scores this many goals in the Championship is worth a lot.”
Sammie Szmodics would be an excellent capture for Celtic
Szmodics has set the English second-tier alight this campaign, and he possesses the type of experience that some sections of the support have been crying our for in the transfer market.
Per Sofascore, the Colchester-born man has averaged 3.2 shots per league match and completed 1.1 key passes per fixture, illustrating his capacity to score and create in equal measure.
Undoubtedly, Blackburn would demand a significant fee for his services; however, he would be worth every penny on current evidence.
