Jackie McNamara’s Celtic optimism despite quiet start to the transfer window

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Celtic are ramping up preparations ahead of the new campaign, and Jackie McNamara is optimistic about what Brendan Rodgers can achieve this term.

Pre-season is well underway at Lennoxtown, with several first-team stars such as Kyogo Furuhashi, Nicolas Kuhn, Maik Nawrocki and Scott Bain all featuring against Ayr United last Friday in a 1-1 draw.

Additionally, Rodgers sprinkled in several of the younger crop from the academy at Somerset Park, where supporters travelled in their numbers to see the Bhoys in action.

Nevertheless, they weren’t able to see any new arrivals in action. Celtic’s hunt for a new goalkeeper is ongoing; meanwhile, Paulo Bernardo and Adam Idah remain in talks over returning to Glasgow’s east end.

Undoubtedly, there is a feeling of transfer restlessness creeping into some segments of the Hoops support. Despite this, McNamara is confident his old side can go onto enjoy another successful season.

Jackie McNamara shares Celtic optimism ahead of new season

There should be plenty of reason to be optimistic as Celtic supporters, given the club begin 2024/25 as reigning Scottish Premiership and Scottish Cup holders. On the same token, they have the excitement of automatic entry into the new Champions League format to look forward to.

Speaking about his aspirations for the new season, McNamara hopes chiefs are ‘working tirelessly’ behind the scenes to recruit the ‘quality’ signings that Rodgers has emphasised on many occasions that he would like to add to his squad.

McNamara stated [BBC Sport]: “I think you’re always optimistic going into every season. I know there’s not been a lot of talk so far about the lack of signings. There are a lot of rumours and we know there are areas they need to strengthen.

“I think Brendan Rodgers has been quoted many times, even in January, about the quality over quantity, bringing real quality in and that does come at a big expense. But there’s no guarantees, as we’ve seen in the past.

“You’d like to think behind the scenes that they’re working tirelessly to get the positions they need to strengthen to do well in Europe.”

As fans, we have to hope that is what is going on in the background. Despite the Bhoys’ double-winning success last term, supporters were under no illusion that recruitment left much to be desired.

Transfer windows aren’t linear; there are bumps and challenges to overcome. Nevertheless, the league campaign starts in less that a month, so there has to be movement to satisfy the demands of the Parkhead faithful.

Everyone will be keeping there eyes peeled regarding potential incomings. Hopefully, Celtic can be in a strong place to kick off their title defence in style!