Today is the day that the transfer window officially opens for Celtic as Brendan Rodgers mulls over the shape of his squad for next season’s challenges.
While Celtic have been free to announce transfers before June 14th, players haven’t actually been able to be registered with the Scottish FA for the coming campaign until now.
After some underwhelming transfer business last summer, supporters are keen for the club to show a bit more ambition this time around and bring in players that will improve Rodgers’ starting eleven.
That’s always difficult to do and with a Euro 2024 tournament also apparently holding up the market across the continent, there are challenges to get business done early.
However, the club’s priorities in this early stage of the summer are clear based on reports over the last month.
Celtic look to address key needs in Rodgers’ first team
The retirement of Joe Hart has put a sharp focus on the goalkeeping position and it seems Celtic are intent on securing their top targets sooner rather than later.
Peter Vindahl Jensen has emerged as the preferred option with discussions said to be ongoing with Sparta Prague. However, Martin Dubravka of Newcastle United has also been heavily linked in recent days.
Celtic are looking for two goalkeepers with Benjamin Siegrist also destined for a Bhoys exit over the next two months.
Midfield is also a priority with transfer speculation continuing around Matt O’Riley and Paulo Bernardo’s loan deal expiring.
Reports from Portugal indicate Celtic and Bernardo are keen to continue that relationship but it will depend on the fee that the Bhoys can negotiate with Benfica.
Two more positional needs for Celtic
There’s movement in attacking areas, too. With Genk closing in on a transfer for Hyeongyu Oh, Celtic will be free to pursue a striker.
Rodgers has made it crystal clear he would like to sign up Adam Idah but that again depends on negotiations with Norwich City, who are keen on assessing the Irish talent in pre-season.
Celtic have also been linked with centre-backs recently as Gustaf Lagerbielke prepares to make an exit.
These four positions won’t be the only areas of the team we see recruitment in this summer but building on this spine of the team in the initial weeks of pre-season will set the club up for a successful window.
Per Sky Sports, the transfer window runs until 30th August this year, in alignment with other major leagues around Europe.