Football Scotland report that as many as five players could leave Celtic before Thursday’s deadline – including striker Albian Ajeti and playmaker Mikey Johnston. Liam Shaw, James McCarthy and Scott Robertson could also depart.
Ajeti, a £4.5million signing from West Ham in the summer of 2020, has flopped at Celtic. He has managed just nine goals in 48 appearances. The likes of Kyogo and Giorgos Giakoumakis are ahead of the Swiss man in the pecking order.
He is yet to be included in a matchday squad this season and Celtic are hopeful of getting his wages off the list. Johnston, meanwhile, has been ‘told’ he will leave on loan – after just 20 games for the Hoops during the 21-22 term.
Ireland international McCarthy has been starved of game time after joining the club on a free last summer. It is a move that promised plenty, but has not worked out. Shaw and Robertson could also go, likely to be on loan at this stage.
Five players could leave Celtic including Ajeti, Johnston and McCarthy
Celtic do have a bloated squad. The Hoops have already waved goodbye to 21 players this summer. Whether it be permanent exits, contracts ending or on loan. Tom Rogic, Chris Jullien, Boli Bolingoli and Vasilis Barkas are examples.
Ajeti certainly needs to go. If Celtic can strike a permanent deal, then great – even if they make a loss. They need to get rid of his wages. But he has two years left on his deal and a loan at this late stage looks more likely before the deadline.
It is a similar case for McCarthy. Johnston still has a chance of making it at Celtic, though injuries have hampered his progress. A loan to a Scottish Premiership side makes sense, while Shaw and Robertson need senior game time.
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