Celtic will be looking for reinforcements this summer to boost their European hopes.
Celtic are heading towards another Scottish Premiership title and potentially another domestic treble this season, as manager Brendan Rodgers continues his dominance of Scottish football.
However, European success will be on Rodgers’ mind after a second consecutive Champions League group stage exit, and new signings may be needed to help Celtic move forward on the continent – and here is a five-point plan for how Celtic can attack this summer’s transfer window…
1. Sign Craig Gordon’s successor
Celtic were left scrambling in January when Craig Gordon suffered an injury, as Dorus de Vries – who is 38 later this year – his only recognised cover. The Bhoys completed a late deal for Scott Bain, and the Dundee keeper could sign for free this summer when his contract at Dens Park expires. Whether it’s Bain or another goalkeeper, Celtic need to find a goalkeeper who can not only offer cover to Gordon immediately, but also become the Bhoys’ first-choice stopper in the years to come.
2. Fight to keep Dembele and Tierney – or splash the cash
Celtic will be all too aware that star talents Kieran Tierney and Moussa Dembele are set to attract major interest from Premier League clubs, and they will have a big decision to make on their futures. The Bhoys can either fight tooth and nail to keep them, or decide to cash in for huge money, but that cash must be spent on a new left back and striker to replace the duo, or Rodgers’ squad would be left horribly short without the duo.
3. Secure Tom Rogic to a new contract
Reports from The World Game in Tom Rogic’s native Australia suggested that the playmaker has rejected a new deal with Celtic, though talks are ongoing over keeping him at the club. The 25-year-old has hit 28 goals in the last three seasons and has shown up in big games against Rangers, meaning the Bhoys must fight to keep Rogic at Celtic Park – and preferably secure his future before he plays for Australia at this summer’s World Cup.
4. Resolve Scott Sinclair’s future
Scott Sinclair has hit 42 goals in 95 games for Celtic since reuniting with his former Swansea boss and Chelsea coach Brendan Rodgers, but his future is now up in the air. The 29-year-old has been in and out of the Celtic side this season due to poor form, and the Daily Mail report that Brighton and Hove Albion and Bournemouth are both keen to hand him a return to England. One way or another, Celtic may well have a decision to make on Sinclair’s future, and could be tempted to cash in if money is on the table.
5. Make a decision on Odsonne Edouard
Celtic will also have to make a decision on the future of striker Odsonne Edouard, as his loan deal from Paris Saint-Germain expires this summer. The 20-year-old divides opinion right now but clearly has potential, and has notched eight goals in 24 games this season in a bit-part role for Celtic. The Bhoys do have a permanent option in Edouard’s loan, and it’s nearly decision time for Rodgers and co over the Frenchman’s long-term Celtic future.
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