Celtic starting XI if transfer rumours are true this summer as Rangers target hijacked and Scotland duo signed
Here’s what we think a Celtic team with new players could look like for the start of next season.
They might not have a long-term manager but that doesn’t mean Celtic aren’t busy on the summer transfer front.
Martin O’Neill will vacate the boss seat come the end of this season, which he hopes comes with a Premiership title, amid a race with Hearts and Rangers. Who comes next is unknown but recruitment is an area the successor will be heavily judged on, as it’s an area that’s come under intense scrutiny this term, alongside a host of injuries compounding matters.
Plenty of players have already been linked with Celtic despite the uncertainty. Here’s how we think a Celtic team with seven new additions could look like come the start of next season as per the most recent rumours.
GK - Pierce Charles
An area of severe need after Kasper Schmeichel’s long-term injury looking likely to bring an end to his Celtic career. Sheffield Wednesday number one Charles has been prominently linked with Rangers but rumours this week have suggested Celtic also are keen. The Hoops would appear a quicker route to regular minutes with Jack Butland cemented as Rangers number one.
RB - Alistair Johnston
Injury bug has bit him this term and none of Julian Araujo, Anthony Ralston or Colby Donovan have been able to replace him for any length of time. Invaluable.
CB - Cameron Carter-Vickers
American international has missed most of this term injured but has shown undoubted quality when fit. Has to start, if able.
CB - Scott McKenna
Linked heavily with Celtic before leaving Aberdeen for Nottingham Forest. Now Scotland international said to be back on the radar after form at Dinamo Zagreb.
LB - Andy Robertson
If you can manage to get Kieran Tierney and the departing Liverpool man in the same squad, you’ve ought to try, as it looks tasty on paper. The pair are more naturally suited to accommodating each other in a three at the back system which isn’t out the question depending on new manager. Tottenham strongly mentioned but talk of dream move to boyhood club isn’t budging either. A brilliant one-two combo to keep both stars fresh with plenty minutes too if it’s a four.
CDM - Callum McGregor
Hard to see a Celtic team without the skipper right now, even with another year on the tyres.
CM - Miguel Chaiwa
Hibs battler has shown all the combative qualities that are needed in Scottish football. Would provide an energy Celtic’s midfield has lacked at times.
CM - Silas Andersen
Another said to be on Rangers’ radar too, Hacken midfielder has also attracted Bundesliga interest. 21 with major upsides. More defensive minded but has scored in dribs and drabs too across senior plus youth level.
RW - Fares Ghedjemis
Frosinone winger’s name has cropped back up again the last week amid Wolves and Norwich City interest. Bids in January were rebuffed but the attacker has continued to thrive at Serie B level and Hoops could come back to the table this summer.
ST - Tawanda Maswanhise
Images of O’Neill watching the Motherwell forward score against Ross County in January sent the rumour mill wild with links ensuing since. Has netted 22 through the middle and out wide in an excellent campaign.
LW - Jota
Daizen Maeda’s uncertain future leaves the door open for return of Portuguese trickster who’s missed the whole of this term injured. Needs strong cover but arguably most technically talented player at Celtic.
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