Johan Mjallby’s verdict on the most important position for Celtic to strengthen this summer

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Johan Mjallby was a bruising central defender at Celtic who took no prisoners during a glittering six-year spell in Glasgow.

Now enjoying life away from the Scottish football cauldron in playing or coaching capacities, the 53-year-old is still active in punditry circles and regularly expresses his view on the Bhoys.

Celtic have made a strong start to life in the Scottish Premiership this campaign. Two wins from two have placed the reigning champions at the summit, but there is still work to be done in the transfer market.

Brendan Rodgers is still assessing his defensive line, with incomings possible if Yuki Kobayashi, Gustaf Lagerbielke and Maik Nawrocki depart before the close of play.

Running the rule over potential additions, Mjallby has revealed why he believes bringing in a central defender could be the most important business his old club needs to do before the deadline.

Johan Mjallby on Celtic’s potential transfer activity

Speaking on the inaugural episode of The Scottish Football Social Club, Mjallby suggested that a central defensive signing would help promote competition for places and believes an experienced figure would add extra leadership and steel to Rodgers’ group.

When asked by Darrell Currie whether addressing the position was their most important transfer endeavour, he stated: “Yeah, definitely. If I think about Europe, I think Celtic will probably need to sign another centre-half this month to keep the competition really, really fierce there.

“I don’t want a new young one; I want someone who has experience and is still hungry to do something in Europe.

“Obviously, it’s going to cost money, and they’re not that easy to find, but he needs to be a leader, like a skipper wearing the armband and be there preferably playing beside Carter-Vickers as well, who, for me, is the number one centre-half at the club.”

Celtic don’t want to run into defensive injury issues

You only need to look at the early portion of last season to see how injuries can turn into a defensive crisis. Nobody would’ve expected Liam Scales and Gustaf Lagerbielke to start in Celtic’s heroic 1-0 win at Ibrox in September 2023, for example.

Rodgers was left with little choice after Cameron Carter-Vickers, Stephen Welsh, Maik Nawrocki and Nat Phillips were all ruled out. Scales rose to the challenge and has since cemented himself as a first-team regular; however, seeking cover across the backline has to be a priority before the window is out.

Ideally, a permanent fixture who could come in and complement Carter-Vickers would be the perfect scenario. Nevertheless, if it has to be a loan deal, there would at least be another body added to the ranks.

Ultimately, movement on that could be contingent on outgoings. Celtic have a big couple of weeks to come on the market and supporters are keen to see deals over the line.