Celtic transfer needs ranked as two glaring areas must be addressed for Wilfried Nancy plan to become clear

Wilfried Nancy is heading into a critical first transfer window at Celtic with the head coach looking to make his three at the back system tick.

The former Columbus Crew boss has made sweeping changes to the Hoops system and now gets a chance to bring players in to fit his style, after responding to four straight losses by defeating Aberdeen and Livingston. There are some key areas to sort and Nancy has already declared what type of player he wants.

He said after downing Livingston last weekend: “For me personality is key. We have a lot of ability in terms of the way we play. But it is important when you sign players that they need to have that personality. This is a big club. To play here is not always easy. So it is so important to have players who can play here at a club like this.

“When I talk about personalities, it’s not only about being vocal either. It’s about having the right attitude when things are difficult. This means when we attack, can we keep showing ourselves for each other, can we still press or can we defend like crazy in the moment? It’s more about the attitude for me. This is what I am looking for.”

So for his dreams of a three at the back system to work, where will Nancy need to sign said personalities in his Celtic team? We take a look, with zero being not at all and 10 being a desperate need.

Goalkeeper - 7/10

Kasper Schmeichel’s performances have been criticised at time this season and Viljami Sinisalo didn’t cover himself in glory during the win at Livingston, and hasn’t been able to shake the Dane from contention. Can likely get away with muddling to the end of the season but if an option emerges this month, it might be worth taking a look.

Right-back - 5/10

Alistair Johnston the starter here but hasn’t been fit for most of this term. If Anthony Ralston or Colby Donovan are not to be trusted then a reliable deputy will be needed, but they do have options here.

Centre-back - 10/10

An absolute must. Nancy is playing a back three with one centre-back at times and needs at least one if not two central defenders he feels can suit his style.

Left-back - 5/10

Similar to the right, there are options here but fitness concerns creep in. Kieran Tierney can operate here and Marcelo Saracchi has impressed when fit. Not a huge need but again, injuries could play a factor.

Central midfield - 0/10

Only playing with two and already had an abundance of options with three in here.

Winger - 0/10

Not playing with out and out wingers at the moment so not required.

Striker - 10/10

The biggest of them all. Striker woe was endured throughout 2025 and with Kelechi Iheanacho having an injury-hit season, probably two senior forwards are needed if they are to start finishing chances this side are creating.