Mark Guidi shares how many players Celtic could bring in before transfer deadline

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Celtic have an important couple of weeks ahead, and supporters expect the club to make advances on potential incomings.

That anticipation has been kicked up a notch amid news yesterday that Brighton & Hove Albion are ready to exceed the Scottish transfer record to land Matt O’Riley.

The Seagulls have submitted an official bid for the Denmark international, and there is confidence that a deal can be done before the deadline.

Augsburg midfielder Arne Engels and Lausanne-Sport’s Alvyn Sanches are in the ring as potential replacements, with Brendan Rodgers seeking two midfielders should he lose his prize asset.

Dundee captain Luke McCowan is also on Celtic’s radar, but manager Tony Docherty has remained coy on his future despite the 26-year-old being into the last year of his deal at Dens Park.

Speculation continues regarding potential additions at Celtic Park. Journalist Mark Guidi has now shed some light on the situation.

Mark Guidi on potential Celtic late window transfer activity

Speaking on the Go Radio Football Show, Guidi has indicated that up to five players could arrive at Celtic before the transfer deadline should O’Riley be sold.

He explained: “Kyogo is obviously the number one striker. Adam Idah is the number two striker, but a more than capable number one striker. When needed, as a bonus, he can shift Maeda through the middle.”

“They’re looking to bring in a third striker, if you want to use that word, a development one. Somebody happy to be at a club the size of Celtic but realises that he’s going to have to play a kind of back role.11 days to go, Celtic are looking for at least three, maybe four players. I think Brendan Rodgers said if they sell Matt O’Riley, he’s looking at bringing in two midfielders.

“So potentially between now and Friday for Michael Nicholson and the board and the recruitment department, you’re looking at possibly bringing in five players.”

Celtic have important work to do in the transfer market

Celtic have made a strong start to the campaign while filtering through one game a week, but when the fixture schedule starts to get congested, additional squad depth will be necessary to fight on all fronts.

The extended Champions League schedule will strain the group. Four home games and four away ties will test the theory of European hangovers to the limit, so there has to be movement between now and next Friday.

Supplementing the squad was already a priority before Brighton’s latest advances for O’Riley emerged. Should he depart, there is a lot of work left to complete in less than two weeks at Celtic Park.

Rodgers has to be given the tools to make a real fist of juggling European and domestic endeavours. His side have found their groove early into the season, but there is only so much he can do with a squad that is still light in several areas.