Celtic’s midfield will become a talking point this summer as Brendan Rodgers looks to find the right balance in the engine room.
There are decisions to make across the board, and movement will be expected throughout the squad as the weeks continue to go by.
Arguably, the goalkeeper position is the most imminent priority at the club. There is also intrigue surrounding the striker situation and potential cover for Greg Taylor at left-back.
Nevertheless, the midfield is an area that could change somewhat by the time competitive action resumes on the domestic scene.
Celtic and the midfield dilemmas at play this summer
Earlier today, we told that new reports had come to light claiming that salary concerns could complicate Celtic’s permanent pursuit of Paulo Bernardo, who enjoyed a productive spell at the club on loan from Benfica last term.
Providing a calm presence in both boxes, the Portugal Under-21 international registered four strikes and three assists in 33 appearances. His future remains unclear, and the useful squad depth he brought to the group would be missed if he doesn’t extend his time at Parkhead.
Mercurial Celtic playmaker Matt O’Riley is still on the radar of Atletico Madrid. Nevertheless, any chance of him moving to the La Liga giants could hinge on their ability to terminate the contract of Saul Niguez.
Claims have been made indicating the Bhoys are holding out for around £34 million for the Denmark international, which shouldn’t come as a surprise following 19 goals and 18 assists in 2023/24.
Intriguingly, Football Scotland have revealed that Celtic were targeting Jack Rudoni before he completed his move to Coventry City last week. The 23-year-old, last at Huddersfield, was said to be on a shortlist of potential replacements for O’Riley.
Now, there is no point in over-profiling someone who won’t be coming to Parkhead, though the link is perhaps an indication of the markets Rodgers may look to for reinforcements this summer.
Other midfielders could also make way, potentially creating a path for new figures to step into the fold. Republic of Ireland Under-21 international Bosun Lawal came on leaps and bounds at Fleetwood Town last year and may be thrust into pre-season.
Either way, there is a lot of work to be done on the midfield this window and it will be fascinating to see what the engine room looks like once the Scottish Premiership campaign gets underway.