Celtic legend John Hartson believes a new striker and a ‘real quality’ centre-half should be Brendan Rodgers’ top priorities during his first summer back in the Parkhead hotseat.
The size of the budget available to the former Liverpool and Leicester City boss remains to be seen but, as Hartson points out in discussion with the Daily Record, it’s unlikely Brendan Rodgers would have been lured back to Glasgow without the promise of money to spend.
Celtic appear to be picking up where Ange Postecoglou left off too.
South Korean forward Yang Hyun-Jun has already confirmed that he hopes to join the Hoops this summer, while a deal for the ‘phenomenal’ Melbourne City winger Marco Tilio is edging closer too.
According to the Daily Record, Celtic have agreed a fee with the A-League champions.
Yang and/or Tilio would add further depth in the wide areas; Celtic already boasting Jota, Daizen Maeda, Sead Haksabananovic, Liel Abada, Mikey Johnston and James Forrest.
Hartson believes there are two other areas where the Glasgow giants are crying out for some investment, however, especially if Celtic are to make a better fist of the Champions League this time around.
Brendan Rodgers needs new faces at Celtic
“In Kyogo (Furuhashi), Celtic have a world-class striker,” Hartson begins. “But I’d still be looking for another centre forward. They are not cheap but strikers take you up the league tables and win the trophies.”
Celtic signed another Far Eastern talent in Oh Hyeon-Gyu in January. Hartson’s jury remains out, however, despite a respectable return of seven goals in the second half of last term.
“We’ve not seen enough of Oh.”
The former Arsenal and Coventry City targetman also wants further additions at the other end of the pitch.
“I’d also be looking at central defence,” he says. “Cameron Carter-Vickers and Carl Starfelt have got better as a pairing but I still think they are vulnerable to crosses into the box.
“Central defence and centre forward; that’s where I’d be looking. And if there is £30 million (to spend), then I’d be looking at real quality. You need that type of quality when you go into the Champions League and take things to that next level.”
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