Celtic are edging closer to the end of Brendan Rodgers’ first season back in the dugout at Parkhead and are still in the hunt for two trophies.
Last weekend, the Bhoys booked their place in the Scottish Cup final following a dramatic penalty shootout victory over Aberdeen, and they will meet Rangers at Hampden next month for a tilt at association football’s oldest trophy.
Despite this, Rodgers will also evaluate where to strengthen his side in the summer, with several priorities likely to come to the fore once the transfer window opens.
Joe Hart is retiring from professional football, signifying the need for a new number-one stopper in Glasgow’s east end; meanwhile, decisions over whether to try and sign either Paulo Bernardo or Adam Idah permanently will also come into consideration.
In a scenario where we aren’t able to acquire Idah, there may be a vacant slot for a new centre-forward to rival Kyogo Furuhashi for his place in the starting line-up come 2024/25.
According to reports from The Sun earlier this month, Celtic are among the clubs competing for the signature of versatile Blackburn Rovers attacker Sammie Szmodics. Premier League clubs such as Brentford, Luton Town, and Fulham are also interested in the Republic of Ireland international.
Mark Lawrenson on Sammie Szmodics transfer rumours
Several pundits around the game have talked up the prospect of Celtic swooping for Szmodics in the summer. Peter Grant claimed the 28-year-old could cost in the region of £10 million due to his excellent form this term.
Overall, the Colchester-born man has registered 31 goals and four assists in 46 appearances for Blackburn Rovers in 2023/24, featuring as a second striker, attacking midfielder, and on the left flank where necessary [Transfermarkt].
Speaking to Football League World, former Match of the Day panellist Mark Lawrenson has tipped the marksman to move away from Ewood Park once the transfer window springs into life, citing his ability to frequently hit the target as a ‘priceless’ commodity.
He stated: “I could see Sammie Szmodics playing in the Premier League next season as he’s an out-and-out goal scorer.
“I could see him fitting into one of the teams that get promotion from the Championship this season, either playing as a number 10, a winger or as the main striker.
“I couldn’t see him fitting into any of the teams in the top 10 of the Premier League, but he’s not far away as he’s a goal scorer, and that’s priceless for any team.”
Sammie Szmodics would be an excellent addition for Celtic
Celtic fans have cried out for some experience to enter the fold in recent windows, and Szmodics possesses a wealth of knowledge gleaned from his time in the English footballing pyramid.
Cited via Sofascore, the 28-year-old has averaged around 3.1 shots per Sky Bet Championship match this term, with 1.3 ending up on target.
From a creative standpoint, he has also fashioned six big opportunities for his teammates, illustrating his capacity to connect the game from middle to front.
Establishing himself as a technician with a potent eye for goal, Szmodics would be a prospective signing that would earn approval at Parkhead.
