Celtic’s January priorities are already being laid out by Brendan Rodgers as he looks to bolster the ranks for the long-term at Parkhead.
The Irishman was able to open the chequebook and spend more than £30 million on eight Bhoys’ summer signings, but there is always more work to be done when perfecting a squad.
Over the last few weeks, transfer stories have started to emerge regarding potential incomings. Brondby’s Mathias Kvistgaarden is back on Celtic’s shortlist following a superb start to life in his homeland this term.
Encouragingly, he is far from the only player who has been profiled by the reigning Scottish Premiership champions. Celtic have been quoted £4 million to sign Lennon Miller as they keep a watchful eye on his progress at Motherwell.
However, Mark Wilson believes another reported target could represent a shift in the recruitment model present under Brendan Rodgers.
Mark Wilson reacts to Celtic interest in Josh Brownhill
Earlier this week, 67 Hail Hail exclusively revealed Celtic are in the hunt to sign Burnley midfielder Josh Brownhill, who is out of contract at Turf Moor next summer.
The 28-year-old will be available on a pre-contract come January and also has suitors in Italy and Saudi Arabia. Speaking on Clyde 1 Superscoreboard, Wilson believes the pursuit could signal that the Bhoys are looking to refine their transfer strategy to balance potential with ‘finished articles’ in the building.
He explained: “I don’t think we should write anything off. I mean, I go back to Matt O’Riley, different age of course, but nobody really knew about him when he was coming, £1.5 million from the lower leagues in England and he ended up being a revelation.
“You turn it round quickly and he’s away for what it was he went for. The age perhaps, it wouldn’t really sit would it? What age is Luke McCowan? Mid-twenties, so maybe Brendan Rodgers is focusing more on quality, and I think he alluded to that a bit if he wanted to take Celtic to the next level.
“Brendan Rodgers is maybe getting away from this idea that every single player has to be a project player for Celtic, that they can turn into a £20-25 million player. I think that is a good balance to strike, it’s a good balance of getting some of these projects in and giving them an opportunity, but you do need experienced pros in a dressing room if you want your club to go to the next level.
“Somewhere along the line you’ve got to have a few finished articles. At 28, as a midfielder, he can’t be far off that and he’s in probably his best years, it would fit the model. It is congested, there’s a lot of players in there
“Of course, Lennon Miller, that name never goes away and he plays in that position as well and he’s at the opposite end of the scale, but it goes to show you, if it is true, that the model has slightly tweaked from the manager who is looking to add quality rather than projects.”
Josh Brownhill is in fine form for Burnley
Finding his shooting boots in the engine room, Brownhill has registered five goals and an assists in 16 encounters across all competitions this campaign, helping Burnley establish themselves in the hunt for promotion.
The experienced midfielder has also created 15 chances and taken 27 touches in the opposition box this season, per Fotmob, so he certainly has plenty to offer going forward, which would fit in nicely at Celtic.
Ultimately, it remains to be seen if the Bhoys’ interest will evolve into something more, but the prospect of Champions League football and a regular stream of silverware could prove tempting.
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