Celtic are now looking to protect their assets alongside supplementing the squad with new arrivals before the window concludes.
Conversation regarding the Hoops’ transfer strategy has been widespread following Brendan Rodgers’ cry for ‘quality’ additions on several occasions leading up to the window.
Despite this, speculation continues to rage concerning the future of some of the Irishman’s key men at the mid-way point of the season.
Matt O’Riley has been a major contributor for Celtic this campaign and his excellent form hasn’t gone unnoticed. La Liga surprise package Girona are reportedly keen on offering him an opportunity to swap Scottish shores for a tilt at Spanish top-flight glory.
In other recent news, Cameron Carter-Vickers has also come under the microscope after The Daily Record noted that West Ham United, Brentford and Nottingham Forest are all eyeing the United States international.
The latter may be ruled out of being able to prize the 26-year-old away from Celtic Park due to Financial Fair Play issues.
Nevertheless, his status as a homegrown player in England will be an enticing factor for Premier League clubs moving forward.
Cameron Carter-Vickers contract talks commence
Kyogo Furuhashi, Liel Abada, Reo Hatate, Daizen Maeda and O’Riley have all committed their future to the club on a long-term basis since Rodgers’ arrival.
However, this doesn’t dispel the reality that Celtic may need to consider their future if sizeable offers were to arise for their services from elsewhere.
Carter-Vickers will be in the same boat due to his age and profile. However, Rodgers has indicated to The Daily Record that Celtic have opened talks with the Southend-born man over a lengthy new deal in Glasgow’s east end.
Rodgers is keen to build his side around the defender and has expressed his desire to ensure he remains a crucial part of his plans.
He stated cited via the publication: “There’s no doubt that Cam is one of the pillars of the team and, of course, we’d want to do that (extend his deal). That will happen in time, I’m sure. There have been talks on that between the club and his representatives so let’s see where it goes.
Rodgers later added on his importance to Celtic: “His happiness is here. Him and his partner absolutely love it at Celtic and we would be very keen to keep him here. He’s very important to us. We’ve had a conversation and he loves it here.
“He’s been around a few clubs down south already but he recognises the magnitude of this club. He’s become a winner at Celtic and he’s settled.”
Cameron Carter-Vickers is colossal for Celtic
Few defenders in recent times have had the impact Carter-Vickers has at Celtic. This is evidenced by his trophy haul of two league titles, one Scottish Cup and two Viaplay Cup triumphs.
Centurion Carter-Vickers has made 101 appearances in all competitions for the Hoops, registering five goals and two assists, as per Transfermarkt.
Fans widely acknowledge that Celtic lose assurance in their defensive work when he is unavailable due to injury.
Meanwhile, his commitment to build from deep makes him an ideal fit within the Hoops’ tactical framework, supported by his 92.1% pass success rate on league duty in 2023/24, cited by WhoScored.
Confirmation has already been communicated that the former Tottenham Hotspur man won’t feature against Buckie Thistle in the Scottish Cup fourth round.
Renewing his contract would undoubtedly be a statement of intent from the Scottish champions and fans will be delighted to hear that he is nearing full fitness.
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