Transfer stories involving Celtic are starting to accelerate as we approach the summer window, with the campaign nearing its conclusion.
Brendan Rodgers will hope to offer potential new arrivals the prospect of competing in the group stages of the new Champions League format should they manage to secure the Scottish Premiership title across their two remaining fixtures against Kilmarnock and St Mirren, with one point required.
A Rangers slip-up against Dundee this evening could crown Celtic champions; however, regardless of if or when their fate is determined, the Bhoys will soon turn their attention to recruitment ahead of next season.
Reinforcements are expected in several positions, with acquiring a goalkeeper now a key priority for Rodgers amid Joe Hart’s retirement. Trabzonspor’s Ugurcan Cakir and Southampton stopper Alex McCarthy are mooted as potential targets.
Nevertheless, areas such as the left-hand side of the backline, central defence, midfield and the final third may all require surgery to ensure a balanced squad.
Greg Taylor is the only natural left-back on the books at Celtic amid Alexandro Bernabei’s departure on a loan deal to Internacional earlier this year, signifying a need for the Hoops to bolster their options.
Celtic reported target now set for a move elsewhere
Back in January, widespread frustration was felt by the Celtic support after the club failed to recruit at left-back despite advances to try and bring in Hugo Bueno, Owen Beck and Tiago Araujo, among others.
Reports in March suggested FC Twente defender Gijs Smal, whose contract expires at the end of the season, was also on the Bhoys’ radar. Feyenoord were also noted as keen admirers of the 26-year-old.
Leading us on to the defining point, Smal is now set to join Feyenoord for free as confirmation of a deal draws closer, according to Dutch outlet 1908.NL
The report claims an announcement is pending a successful medical for the left-back and should be officially confirmed after the end of the Eredivisie.
Crucially, Celtic are identified alongside Rangers, Copenhagen and KAA Gent as other clubs who were attentive to his situation; nevertheless, he now appears set to stay in his homeland by moving to De Kuip.
Celtic and their need to bolster depth in the left-back role
As reliable as Taylor has been for Celtic, they can’t have a scenario where he is being solely relied on for the vast majority of the season to hold down the left-back position.
Capped 11 times for Scotland, the former Kilmarnock man has amassed 43 appearances for the Hoops this term, registering three goals and five assists [Transfermarkt].
Truthfully, he would’ve had more outings if it wasn’t for a calf problem he sustained back in January, leading him to miss a few weeks of action.
Looking ahead to 2024/25, Celtic need to bring in proper depth to supplement the Greenock-born man, given their lengthy involvement on several fronts.