Celtic fans are on tenterhooks as Brendan Rodgers plots his path to landing some new summer arrivals at Parkhead.
For now, the frontrunner to walk through the entrance doors in Glasgow’s east end is Paulo Bernardo, who the Irishman is reportedly keen to land following his successful loan spell in 2023/24.
The club are in the process of restructuring his initial buyout clause, initially set at around £6 million, and could acquire his services for a fee of £3 million plus £500,000 in add-ons, with a sell-on clause also included from Benfica.
In other news, Adam Idah is still firmly on the radar; meanwhile, the hunt to replace Joe Hart continues for Rodgers amid speculation surrounding who his potential successor could be.
Free agent Kenan Piric, Southampton stopper Alex McCarthy and Aston Villa’s Viljami Sinisalo are believed to be in the frame. On the more ambitious end of the scale, Liverpool number two Caoimhin Kelleher has been floated in recent months.
Either way, Celtic are in for an exciting summer and there is plenty of optimism surrounding who could arrive at the club.
Andy Walker on Celtic’s potential summer transfer activity
Given the time of year, it isn’t unusual to get carried away with rumours and whispers surrounding who Celtic might sign. Regardless, the reigning Scottish Premiership champions will be in the new Champions League format next term, brewing a new level of financial capability.
Speaking on the Go Radio Football Show, former Hoops man Andy Walker believes his old club and Rodgers may have a few tricks up their sleeve in the market.
He explained: “I do think Celtic will make a significant signing. I’m not sure it’ll be £10 million for a goalkeeper, but I would be very surprised if Celtic (didn’t), after what Brendan Rodgers achieved when he was under a bit of pressure from everyone.
“He’s managed to win the league, he’s won the cup, to have that double and give the Celtic supporters renewed confidence that he is heading in the right direction, and they obviously want some better players there.
“Going back to what Brendan Rodgers said pretty much halfway through the season before the narrative changed, he wanted a bit of quality, then he was quite happy to work with what he’s got, but I think he’s shown he knows what he’s doing, he’s an elite coach and he knows how to be successful, especially here in Scotland and to win trophies.
“I’d be really surprised if Celtic didn’t make some sort of signature statement with a big signing, telling Rangers what they’re capable of, flexing that financial muscle that they have, and I’m sure that they’ll get at least three or four names that everybody knows about.”
Celtic have the chance to build from a position of strength
As the old saying goes, Celtic have a chance to build from a position of strength, though whether that will happen remains to be determined.
Financially, club chiefs have the ability to shell out for reported targets; however, with competition rife on the market, the Bhoys need to sell themselves as an ideal environment to individuals keen to take the next step in their career.
Over the next few weeks, fans will get an indication of where Celtic’s ambition lies and the profile of player who could enter the fold at Parkhead.
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