Celtic XI if transfer rumours are true as Hoops shatter record in all-new attack and eight signings made
Here’s what a Celtic side could look like if transfer rumours become true.
Celtic are stepping up their transfer work ahead of the Premiership season - and rumours are aplenty on who may arrive.
The Hoops have signed forward Camilo Duran from Qarabag and he has impressed in friendly matches, most recently on Saturday, during a 2-2 draw versus AC Milan at Parkhead. Daizen Maeda is a key exit to have been sanctioned and more are likely to follow.
That means boss Martin O’Neill has to find solutions to make his team as strong as possible for league action to begin early next month versus Dundee. Based on recent rumours that have circulated around Celtic, here is what version of the XI could look like, factoring in possible exits too.
GK - Radek Vitek
Manchester United goalkeeper has spoken plainly of seeking an exit from Old Trafford this summer. Whether that’s a loan or permanent move remains to be seen but Celtic have been strongly linked amid their search for a goalkeeper to replace Kasper Schmeichel. Vitek has built experience away from Manchester United at Bristol City.
RB - Julian Araujo
Alistair Johnston has been linked to Everton and that would be a huge blow for the Hoops. Araujo impressed on loan from Bournemouth last term before injury struck but rumours have began to surface on the possibility of a permanent move. Could stay and fight for his place at the Cherries but Celtic may have a vacancy here too.
CB - Cameron Carter-Vickers
American international is coming off a long-term injury and needs cover but he is undoubtedly the club’s best defender.
CB - George Campbell
USA international is known to the likes of CCV and Auston Trusty already at Parkhead. West Brom centre-back also believed to be interested in the move but Bundesliga interest is an alternative.
LB - Kieran Tierney
They need cover here with Marcelo Saracchi, Will Ferry and James Penrice all linked. This will all be purely for cover though as the experienced academy product is the main man here. Whoever backs him up will play though to give him a breather amid previous fitness issues.
CDM - Callum McGregor
His own future is slightly uncertain amid Saudi talk, but if the skipper is about, he is starting in midfield.
CM - Mika Baur
Paderborn midfielder is one that seems to be closing in on a move to Celtic. Personal terms not reported to be an issue for the technical midfielder who’s shone in Germany’s second tier.
CM - Gvidas Gineitis
Torino midfielder could be an all-action replacement for Arne Engels who looks a likely candidate to go. Serie A side are demanding over £9m though, it’s claimed.
RW - Camilo Duran
Colombian has hit the goal trail in pre-season, and while not on the same world-class level, has pressing abilities that make him a suitable Daizen Maeda stand-in. One signing who’ll definitely be in team.
ST - Kasper Hogh
The one that will have fans buzzing. Celtic are set to break their record transfer to sign the Bodo Glimt goal machine
LW - Haissem Hassan
A link that has refused to go away. Egyptian international with Real Oviedo in Spain put on a show at the World Cup that’s sparked a transfer chase. Celtic’s name most routinely linked.