Celtic plot double summer transfer swoop ahead of biggest squad overhaul since start of Ange Postecoglou's reign
A European wonderkid has re-emerged as a summer target for the Hoops along with an out-of-contract Bundesliga star
Celtic are among a host of clubs to have expressed an interest in Cologne defensive midfielder Eric Martel - with a transfer swoop for a European wonderkid also on the cards this summer.
Martel, 23, is out of contract at the RheinEnergieStadion at the end of the season and there is speculation growing over his next potential destination with the Scottish champions among the front-runners to secure his signature, according to TEAMTalk.
Capped 30 times by Germany’s Under-21 side, where he has scored three times, Martel’s versatility is viewed as a major positive. Standing at 6ft2’, he can deputise at centre-back and has gained vast experienced in the Bundesliga in recent seasons.
Martel’s market value has risen to €8m (£6.9m), but due to his impending free agent status this summer, it could present Celtic chiefs with an opportunity to negotiate a pre-contract agreement or secure him at a reduced fee, if his parent club decide to sell rather than lose him for nothing.
However, the Germans remain upbeat on their chances of retaining their academy graduate on an extended deal amid growing interest from abroad. Martel was linked with a move to Borussia Dortmund and Fiorentina last year, but no firm bids materialised and the player expressed no immediate desire to leave unless it was for the correct project.
Much couple depend on how Martin O’Neill’s side finish the season. Should they retain their Premiership crown or win the Scottish Cup, that may sway Martel into making the switch to Glasgow.
Celtic braced for biggest squad rebuild since Ange Postecoglou’s arrival in 2021
Celtic are gearing up for a busy summer window, and in addition to Martel, they have reportedly reignited their interest in 19-year-old Sturm Graz midfielder Filip Rozga.
The Polish youth international, has been scouted by representatives of the Hoops' recruitment team in recent weeks with a view to testing the Austrian outfit’s resolve at the end of the campaign.
Rozga joined Sturm Graz last summer for a fee of around £1.75m and has featured 28 times and scored twice this term. He played against the Hoops back in October and provided the assist for Tomi Horvat's wonder-strike.
A versatile playmaker, Rozga can be deployed on either flank or in a more central No.10 role. It remains unclear what Graz’s asking price is for the attacker, but they will be eager to command a fee greater than what they paid Cracovia for the teenage prospect.
Sturm Graz have conducted transfer business with Scottish clubs in recent windows, most recently with Rangers for midfielder Tochi Chukwuani. They have also had dealings with Celtic in the past following striker Albian Ajeti’s loan move in 2022.
Why Celtic must get summer recruitment drive bang on
Celtic’s recruitment process has been heavily criticised in recent years, with much furore from supporters stemming from last summer’s window overseen by axed recruitment chief Paul Tisdale.
Not a penny was spent on permanent deals with four January loan signings arriving in the form of Julian Araujo, Tomas Cvancara, Junior Adamu and Joel Mvuka as well as the free transfer of former Arsenal and Liverpool midfielder Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.
Out of the temporary arrivals, Araujo has thus far only been a consistent performer in the first-team as a regular starter as he continues to cover for the injured Alistair Johnston, who is expected to return to competitive action in the near future.
Martin O'Neill may not be the next permanent boss at the club but the Northern Irishman and his staff may still have a big say in summer business. The summer window is expected to be Celtic’s biggest squad overhaul since the start of Ange Postecoglou’s tenure five years ago.
Many of the current loan players are expected to return to their parent clubs, with the likes of veteran duo James Forrest and Kasper Schmeichel also out of contract. Additionally, Japanese pair Reo Hatate and Daizen Maeda are both expected to head for pastures new.