Celtic supporters are still waiting on the club making their first signing of the 2024 summer transfer window but much activity is expected over the coming weeks.
The club have already shipped out Sead Haksabanovic on a permanent transfer to Malmo after his progress at the Bhoys stalled.
More exits will follow but it’s the incomings that fans will care about most. Assistant manager John Kennedy has indicated negotiations are underway to bring in fresh talent and expects progress to be made over the next couple of weeks.
It’s all in service of ensuring Brendan Rodgers’ squad is stronger going into the new season compared to the end of last term.
Former Bhoys defender Charlie Mulgrew reckons that the club will manage to achieve that aim but has warned the window is a bit more complex than some fans might consider.
Celtic and the transfer ‘juggle’ this summer
Mulgrew said [The Herald]: “I think they’ll be in a stronger position. They’ll try and get the business done, even though it is difficult, at least a couple in and maybe a couple will leave, naturally. I would guess they will be in a stronger position. Even though it was a busy end to the season, the whole summer they would be trying to get these things moving quickly.
“It is such a complex situation because look at the signings they made last year. Look how many people are in the building this year that they might need to move on. They need to juggle the squad. You can’t just bring 40 players in because then you need to manage those players. You have unhappy players in the changing room.
“I’d imagine some players need to go out because they want to play football and that’s not easy because they want to at least stay on the same money. Who wants to buy them?”
There’s truth in ‘complex’ transfer window verdict
Mulgrew is right with his assessment. It’s not as easy as Celtic going on a massive spending spree and bloating a squad that Rodgers has already stated is too big for him in terms of numbers.
Haksabanovic’s exit was a solid start and freeing up more space by moving on other fringe players would be welcome.
Celtic’s priority is undoubtedly finding a goalkeeper, however, and serious intent must be shown with that position. There are no hold-ups there in terms of exits with Joe Hart already retiring.
Fans want to see the club get the new number one in the door early and set the tone for a productive window.
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