Predicted Celtic XI and manager if transfer rumours are true including Tottenham raid and eight new signings
Here is what Celtic could look like next season based on recent transfer rumours.
There’s a rebuild needing completed but who takes it is another question as Celtic get set for a busy summer.
Legendary boss Martin O’Neill returned on two occasions to revive the club’s faltering season and won a Premiership and Scottish Cup double. He was only in charge until the end of the season, and with an acknowledgement the squad needs overhauled, Celtic need a permanent manager too. That could see an all-new XI and manager take centre stage in their Premiership opener this August.
O’Neill said last month of the rebuild that awaited Celtic: “We will have to try and act relatively quickly on players. On the larger picture, yeah, I’m looking at this minute at players, but it is strange, because I’m more focused on the matches here. So, if you’ve got a spare hour, the scouts are in there, they’re looking at a lot of things, which they should be doing anyway.
“This is the point. Let’s say somebody steps in during the first week of June or something, then [the scouts] should be able to put a lot of this forward to him and say, ‘This is what we’re doing, this is the general consensus that these players are really good’. And then it’s up to him to have a look at these players and see.”
Including a Tottenham raid, eight new faces and a new manager, here’s how Celtic could start the new season based on current rumours.
GK - Jari De Busser
Goalkeeper is something Celtic need after Kasper Schmeichel’s retirement. Go Ahead Eagles keeper has been strongly linked as an option.
RB - Alistair Johnston
One of three current stars in the team. Canadian international showed his importance post-split after returning from injury.
CB - Oskar Wojcik
KS Cracovia centre-back is the latest Polish defender linked to Celtic. The Hoops previously signed Maik Nawrocki from Legia Warsaw.
CB - George Campbell
West Brom defender has impressed at Championship level. Recently rumoured to be on Celtic’s agenda.
LB - Kieran Tierney
Current star two. Tierney got back to his best in his first season since returning from Arsenal.
CDM - Callum McGregor
It’s all new from here as the skipper leads a new band of Hoops stars.
CM - Milan Vitalis
Hungarian reports claim Celtic are one of a number of clubs eyeing Vitalis. Hungary international plays for Gyor but expected to be on the move this summer.
CM - Alfie Devine
Needs to be an attack-minded midfield role but Tottenham talent shone at Preston. O’Neill watched Preston draw with QPR this year and Devine links have spawned from there. Eight goals and as many assists last term.
RW - Fares Ghedjemis
It looked as if the Frosinone winger would join in January but it didn’t happen. Links have resurfaced ahead of the summer.
ST - Kasper Hogh
Celtic had striker issues last season and the Bodo Glimt man is reportedly one man they want to deliver goals ahead of Daizen Maeda’s rumoured exit.
LW - Elijah Just
Motherwell playmaker was a standout at Fir Park and was nominated for PFA Scotland Player of the Year. Will have options this summer and one is reportedly Celtic.
Manager - Robbie Keane
No smoke without fire. Former loanee has been constantly linked and his exit from Hungarian side Ferencvaros only heightened chatter. A younger manager, knows the club from a previous loan, and has won trophies in his managerial career so far. Fans perhaps would need convincing on the former Tottenham and Liverpool forward, but if O’Neill doesn’t take it, Keane seems a likely shout.
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