Charlie Nicholas has written in his Scottish Daily Express column that he expects four players to leave Celtic in the coming weeks – including linked-away striker Giorgos Giakoumakis, and out-of-favour midfielder David Turnbull.
Celtic remain top of the Premiership and are nine points clear. But with new signings coming to the club in the form of Alistair Johnston, Yuki Kobayashi and Tomoki Iwata – players could be offloaded to make room. Giakoumakis is linked.
Fabrizio Romano says clubs in Italy, American and Japan are all interested in signing Celtic striker Giakoumakis. Urawa Red Diamonds, currently playing in the J-League, are said to be front runners. That could be a saga that drags on.
Josip Juranovic also being linked with moves. TuttoMercatoWeb report that Juranovic is close to joining Serie A side Monza. Nicholas expects both Giakoumakis and Juranovic to leave – as well as defender Stephen Welsh, and Turnbull.
“I think three or four will go. I think big GG will go, Josip Juranovic will go and possibly David Turnbull and Stephen Welsh if the offers are right,” ex-Celtic star Nicholas told the Scottish Daily Express in his latest column this week.
Nicholas expects four players to leave Celtic in coming weeks
Juranovic and Giakoumakis are more than likely to go. The interest is there, and Juranovic has already been replaced at Celtic. The Hoops could do with another striker if Giakoumakis departs, but they could be waiting for a fee to come in.
Welsh is a Celtic academy product. A good defender, but one that is behind Carl Starfelt and Cameron Carter-Vickers in the pecking order. Now, potentially Kobayashi, too. A loan with a permanent option is a likely exit for the centre-back.
For Turnbull, there is a player there. But Matt O’Riley and Reo Hatate are first choice alongside Callum McGregor. He is still young and requires game time. Celtic would be better off simply loaning £3m Turnbull out – rather than selling.
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