Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers is likely to have one eye on potential summer transfer activity despite his side’s ongoing battle for the Scottish Premiership title.
In the midst of focusing on the short term, it is sometimes easy to forget that plans will be in place to ensure the bigger picture at Parkhead is taken into account.
Rodgers and company have some important decisions to make on individuals come the summer, with the futures of Adam Idah and Paulo Bernardo presenting two topics set to come up in discussion.
The former has made a surprising impact at Parkhead, and reports in his homeland claim Celtic could be able to land the Norwich City loanee for a fee in excess of £3 million.
Evaluating Bernardo’s situation, the Portugal Under-21 international has a buyout clause in his contract worth £6 million with ‘wiggle room’ for further negotiations.
Beyond that, the Bhoys need to recruit a new goalkeeper amid Joe Hart’s impending retirement at the end of the season.
Last month, Rodgers confirmed that Scott Bain and Benjamin Siegrist may also leave the club, which would pave the way for several reinforcements to arrive between the sticks.
Either way, there is set to be plenty of movement in both directions once the window rolls around at the start of 2024/25.
Pundit says Celtic target is ‘very unlikely’ to sign a new contract
According to Daily Mail journalist Tom Collomosse, Celtic are said to be interested in Coventry City midfielder Callum O’Hare, who is also attracting attention from Rangers and clubs in La Liga.
Premier League sides Fulham, Everton, and Southampton are also keeping tabs on his situation, which is a lucrative one, seeing as he is out of contract this summer and yet to sign a new deal at the Coventry Building Society Arena.
According to former England international Carlton Palmer, O’Hare is ‘very unlikely’ to commit to new terms at Coventry City, which would embolden suitors in their attempts to land the 25-year-old.
Palmer stated [Football League World]: “One player who has been attracting a lot of attention is Callum O’Hare. Three La Liga clubs are looking at him. Celtic and Rangers are also said to be keen on the 25-year-old too.
“He’s yet to sign a new contract at Coventry and his current deal is set to expire in the summer. He’s had an outstanding season, and it’s very unlikely now, with so few games left, that he’ll sign a new deal.
“He’s scored nine goals in his last 15 games. He’s been bang in form, and it’s a shame that they haven’t been able to tie him down, but I understand why they didn’t. He’s a player who has suffered a lot with injuries.
“He was offered a new contract, and a good contract at that, but he wants to keep his option open at the end of the season. Unless they are promoted to the Premier League, I feel that it’s more than likely that Callum O’Hare will play his football in pastures new come next season.”
Callum O’Hare continues to be linked with Celtic
O’Hare is predominantly an attacking midfield player, and he has put up some impressive numbers this term, registering nine goals and four assists in 25 appearances across all competitions [Transfermarkt].
His potential availability on a free transfer would make him a financially advantageous signing; however, the weight of interest from elsewhere will likely mean the Solihull-born man is a tough player to acquire.
Over the next few months, it may be worth keeping an eye on his situation as Celtic make inroads towards identifying summer arrivals.
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