Celtic starting XI next season if recent transfer rumours are true including McGregor's replacement & Liverpool star

Celtic are heading into an uncertain summer window as they club’s hierarchy look to appoint a permanent manager before switching their focus on to transfer activity.

Despite not knowing who will be in charge to oversee their recruitment drive, the Hoops will still be preparing for a major overhaul of the playing squad under a new boss.

A number of players have been linked with a move to Parkhead of late, but with it yet to be confirmed what direction the new manager will want to take, it’s difficult to nail down exactly how the Scottish champions could shape up ahead of next season.

One thing is for certain, the likes of Daizen Maeda, Reo Hatate, Arne Engels and Benjamin Nygren are all expected to attracting plenty of interest.

Looking at the most recent rumours, here’s what a dream Celtic XI may look like if they come to fruition, with SEVEN new faces added to the team.

How Celtic XI could look from start of next season

GK - Viljami Sinisalo

Recently usurped Kasper Schmeichel as Celtic’s first-choice keeper and has really stepped up his performance levels as a result. A new shot-stopper is likely to arrive at Parkhead this summer, but the former Aston Villa man will be determined to keep the gloves going forward.

RB - Julian Araujo

Discussions could take place with AFC Bournemouth around an agreement that would see the Mexico international return to Glasgow on a permanent basis, having starred on loan from the Premier League outfit since January. It remains to be seen if Celtic would be willing to spend £10m on a full-back, but the player has already expressed how much he is enjoying life in Glasgow and has hinted he would be open to a long-term stay. Believed to earn between £60k-£70k a week, meaning any permanent deal would likely require him to take a major pay cut, but that’s not beyond the realms of possibility.

CB - Ozan Kabak

The former Liverpool and Norwich City defender could be available on a free transfer as he prepares to leave Bundesliga side Hoffenheim when his deal expires at the end of the season. The Turkey international poses a significant goal threat from set-pieces and is reportedly still on a shortlist of potential low-cost solutions. Has other transfer interest from clubs across Europe.

CB - Cameron Carter-Vickers

The USA international has missed the vast majority of this season due to injury but remains Celtic’s first-choice central defender and that is unlikely to change this summer. However, his track record of injury is becoming a slight concern.

LB - Andy Robertson

It has been widely suggested the Scotland international will depart Anfield this summer after a successful nine-year spell and the Hoops have been floated as a possible destination. Robertson has already confessed he would love to see out the remainder of his career with his boyhood heroes, but he won’t be short of options. Liverpool are yet to initiate advanced talks over a contract extension a few months on from rejecting an approach from Tottenham in the January window.

CM - Peer Koopmeiners

The Dutchman has been identified as a potential signing target - but only if Robbie Keane becomes manager. AZ Alkmaar defensive midfielder has vast Eredivisie experience and has been put forward as someone who could partner current skipper Callum McGregor. Contracted until 2028 and has an approximate value of £10m.

CM - Eric Martel

A summer swoop has been lined up for the FC Koln star, whose contract is about to expire. Celtic are among a host of clubs to have displayed notable interest in the 23-year-old and the lure of possible Champions League football could be a way to persuade him to move to Parkhead. The German club are yet to accept defeat in their attempts to keep hold of Martel, who has yet to decide on where his future lies.

CAM - Filip Rozga

The Scottish champions are on the trail of the 19-year-old Sturm Graz attacking midfield prospect. Questions were asked about the Polish youth international’s availability in January and Celtic have continued to scout the player since then. It’s expected they will renew their interest once the window opens.

RW - Elijah Just

Motherwell star could be on the move from Fir Park to Lennoxtown this summer after an impressive season in North Lanarkshire under Jens Berthel Askou. An outside contender for Premiership ‘Player of the Year’, the New Zealander’s agent has confirmed there is interest from various clubs that could be accelerated quickly. Celtic are understood to be one of those clubs weighing up whether to act before the window opens.

LW - Jota

Portuguese wide man will undoubtedly be a regular starter again once he returns to full fitness over the summer. Currently sidelined with an ACL injury and is unlikely to return before the end of the campaign, but will be like a new signing when he reappears in pre-season.

CF - Aribim Pepple

Celtic are among the front-runners to sign the Plymouth Argyle marksman, who is contracted to the EFL League One club until 2029. Head coach Tom Cleverley has stated the player has a release clause but that the amount is unclear. Joined from Luton Town for an initial fee of £250k that could rise to £600k and is currently enjoying the best season of his career to date.

Ross Doohan (GK), Alistair Johnston, Liam Scales, Auston Trusty, Kieran Tierney, Miguel Chaiwa, Callum Osmand, Sebastian Tounekti, Colby Donovan