The 2021 Celtic-linked players who are free agents this summer

By David Walton

June 5, 2022

As Celtic continue to look for potential deals ahead of the summer transfer window, it could be worth taking a look at the free agent market.

Celtic will be on the lookout for any opportunity to boost their squad options and provide stronger strength in depth [Daily Record]. Ange has already confirmed that he wants another midfielder in the door for starters [Football Scotland].

Plenty of money will likely be splashed around too with UCL qualification in the bank. Fans will expect to see the club speculate to accumulate. But several of our reported targets from last year are set to be free agents this summer. And here, we take a look at 3 in particular who could add something to the squad:

1. Jed Wallace

Jed Wallace has had yet another stunning campaign with Millwall that saw him rack up 6 goals and 11 assists in 38 games [Transfermarkt]. However, he’s refused so far to commit himself to the club for the long haul despite a contract being on the table for him.

The former England under-19 international is coming into his best years at 28, and has vast Championship experience to his name both with Millwall and Wolves respectively. A clear eye for a goal and a pacey dribbler on the ball, Wallace could provide genuine competition for Liel Abada and James Forrest.

Granted, James signing a new contract could put an end to any interest Celtic may have in adding to their ranks in that position. But even so, Wallace also has plenty of experience as an attacking midfielder too.

Celtic may very well be on the hunt for a Tom Rogic replacement in the coming weeks. Whether Wallace could fall into the category of a potential midfield target for Ange remains to be seen. But after reportedly tracking the player back in September, the time would be now to strike as he ponders his next move [Give Me Sport].

2. Benjamin Siegrist

Many of us know all about the now-former Dundee United number one. It was reported last year in Switzerland that Celtic had been showing a strong interest [Blick].

That was hardly a surprise. Siegrist was one of the outstanding goalkeepers of the 2020/21 campaign with 2 hugely impressive performances against Neil Lennon’s Hoops. The player left Tannadice with as many as 52 clean sheets in 145 games [Transfermarkt]. Hugely impressive stuff from the former Swiss under-21 international.

His form continued into this season as he helped United bag 4th place and European football. His form has led to a link with Manchester United too as his stock has grown this term [Scottish Sun]. But he’s yet to be snapped as of yet despite the fact he’s a proven shot-stopper.

A change of regime at Parkhead has of course come into effect since the link and Ange’s interest in Siegrist is anyone’s guess. However, he would be a solid back-up to Joe Hart and, if Celtic can get rid of Vasilis Barkas, you could understand the club wanting a stronger number 2 in.

Siegrist would certainly do a turn domestically. This is a position Celtic could do with seriously looking at.

3. Zinedine Ferhat

It’s been quite the 5 months for Zinedine Ferhat since being linked with a January move to Celtic back in December [Foot Mercato].

The 13-cap Algerian winger only featured on 14 occasions for Nimes this season and failed to bag a single goal or assist. This he believes was largely down to a dispute with the club owner which saw him barely get any opportunities. Ferhat claims he was lied to about being allowed to leave last year as he looked to move back to Ligue 1 [RMC Sport].

You could see why he was looking to depart after relegation too. Back in the 2020/21 campaign, Ferhat made a stunning impact in France’s top division. He scored 6 and assisted 10 and this led to the interest from the Hoops and Ligue 1 side AS Saint-Etienne [Foot Mercato].

He may have lost a season, but a winger who can operate on either flank, Ferhat has proven pedigree in both Ligue 1 and 2. Ange has shone over the last 12 when it comes to revealing locked potential. And given Ferhat is 29 years of age, he would be anything but a rookie. A 2-time Algerian champion, he’s also had a taste of title success in the past.

We’ll see what happens over the course of another busy summer, but these are just some of the options likely available to Ange should the club feel like looking for a bargain.

In other news, “Really exciting”; Irish club boss’ class 2021 comments on Celtic-linked Aidomo Emakhu