The return of Brendan Rodgers to Celtic heightened expectations of strong player recruitment, with the belief that the manager would be heavily backed in the transfer market by the Bhoys hierarchy.
However, the departures of Jota and Carl Starfelt were keenly felt and the club were always playing catch-up on their replacements – none of whom have cemented themselves in the manager’s starting eleven.
Raking in close to £30m last summer in transfer fees alone, around £18m was spent in the other direction – so a lot of money was available to recruitment staff to strengthen.
There’s likely to be a healthy amount spent on players again this year, especially if Celtic win the league and automatically qualify for next term’s expanded UEFA Champions League group stages.
Celtic have made a key hire behind the scenes after the departures of Mark Lawwell and Joe Dudgeon – bringing in the club’s former talent spotter in South America Mark Cooper to a full-time role in Glasgow. But what areas of the team need addressing most?
Celtic’s summer transfer window could be busy
The most glaring priority right now is at goalkeeper after Joe Hart confirmed he would be retiring at the end of the season. Hart has been a galvanising figure between the sticks since his arrival and we all know how destabilising it can be to make the wrong signing in that position after Vasilis Barkas’ struggles a few seasons ago. The recruitment team need to get that one right – and as early in the summer as possible.
The defensive line needs taken care of, too. Unless Rodgers plans on promoting a youth prospect this summer then Greg Taylor will need competition at left-back from the market. Alexandro Bernabei is currently on loan in Brazil and isn’t due back until the end of 2024.
Given Gustaf Lagerbielke has failed to win over the manager and Maik Nawrocki looks no closer to the starting eleven, another central defender wouldn’t be a bad shout either if the right one comes up.
Midfield and attack can’t be forgotten about
There’s significant transfer interest in midfielder Matt O’Riley. If he does end up leaving in a big-money deal then Celtic will need a new creative force as part of that central triangle.
Even if O’Riley doesn’t leave, another midfield option will be needed if Paulo Bernardo doesn’t make his loan move permanent.
There’s a wishlist in attack, too. Adam Idah could be the man to recruit in the striking position – thought to be available for £5m – but no doubt the club are seeking alternatives too in case that doesn’t come together.
Liel Abada and Jota have both departed over the last 12 months, too, so despite the arrival of Nicolas Kuhn and Luis Palma, another winger is needed for depth and competition.
That’s six positions many would consider high priority – with a need for quality and ability to improve on what’s currently available to the manager. It’s going to be a busy few months.