‘Sets the tone’: Mark Wilson says Celtic ‘under pressure’ to get major transfer decision right

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Celtic will soon turn their attention to identifying summer additions despite being in the middle of a race for the Scottish Premiership crown.

It seems strange that this may be the case, seeing as the January window feels like it was yesterday; nevertheless, there are only 12 matches for the Bhoys left to play in the league this campaign, plus Scottish Cup action.

Brendan Rodgers has repeatedly called for ‘quality’ arrivals during his time at Parkhead. However, it is hard to argue that the Irishman has been granted his wish in either market period.

In-house decisions will also need to be made on the likes of Paulo Bernardo and Adam Idah, who are yet to turn their loan deals permanent as the Hoops weigh up all potential avenues.

The former is believed to have an option to buy in his agreement that would cost £6 million to activate; meanwhile, reports in Ireland suggest Idah may be available for a fee in excess of £3 million.

Beyond that, the left-back situation is likely to be the subject of discussion; meanwhile, Joe Hart’s impending retirement signifies the need for Celtic to acquire a new number-one goalkeeper.

Mark Wilson thinks Celtic need to nail crucial transfer decision

Ex-Celtic full-back Mark Wilson believes that bringing in a suitable replacement for Hart may be the most important piece of business the Bhoys carry out in the summer window.

Speaking on Clyde 1 Superscoreboard, the 39-year-old stated: “It’s a hard one to get. If Celtic’s recruitment team thought they were under pressure with left-backs, strikers and midfielders, they have probably got the biggest of them all.

“The goalkeeper just sets the tone for your team; if you don’t have a solid goalkeeper behind your back four then the rest falls down.

“Going back to the Covid season, Celtic were changing goalies every other week because they could not trust any of them.”

Without a doubt, it won’t be easy to replicate Hart’s leadership qualities and commanding presence between the sticks; nevertheless, there are goalkeepers out there who would jump at the chance to try their hand.

The Parkhead recruitment team must do their due diligence on potential candidates and, realistically, have a new favoured stopper in position towards the beginning of preparations for 2024/25.

Establishing relationships with defenders is critical to success, so the Bhoys have their work cut out to fill some big shoes.