The transfer window is now open and Celtic are set to raid the market for several additions in key areas this summer.
Understandably, much has been made of the goalkeeper situation as Brendan Rodgers seeks to find a Joe Hart successor; meanwhile, Paulo Bernardo and Adam Idah are two pursuits the club would like to wrap up on permanent deals.
Speculation is rife as Celtic look to make some savvy decisions on the recruitment front, and it is set to be an exciting few months in the market.
Options are cropping up daily that could represent compelling business. In light of this, it is time to review the merits of one heavily mentioned individual.
The Scott McKenna option that Celtic could consider
Now, it is important to state there haven’t been any reported links of Celtic interest in Scott McKenna, but he hasn’t ruled out a move to Parkhead after recently leaving Nottingham Forest on a free transfer.
He stated earlier this week: That is just natural when you have got teams the size of Celtic and Rangers. I know a lot of people who support both teams, so it is going to happen. They are going to question you, but there is nothing to tell. I’m without a club, so I think I would need to consider anything. There is nothing as of now, so there is nothing to think about.”
He spent the second half of 2023/24 on loan at FC Copenhagen and made a combined 21 appearances across the term for both clubs [Transfermarkt].
The main plus points of any potential deal would be that he is available for nothing while having extensive experience in Scotland and England, alongside the added carrot of being someone who would fill a homegrown slot for European competitions.
McKenna is a solid defender into the bargain, as he showed in the Danish top-flight, making around 4.2 clearances and 3.3 ball recoveries per match, achieving an average game rating of 7/10 and helping his loan side keep five clean sheets [Sofascore].
It should be noted that he is comfortable in possession, recording a pass accuracy of 90% that went up to 94% in his half, per the same outlet.
Gustaf Lagerbielke is a target for Lecce; meanwhile, Maik Nawrocki has attracted interest from former club Legia Warsaw, so there isn’t exactly widespread security in that area of the field.
With that in mind, McKenna could be a financially advantageous option for the club to take advantage of this summer.