Celtic have a big summer ahead where the transfer market is concerned.
Brendan Rodgers will have a shortlist drawn up, we’re sure of it, with the help of Paul Tisdale as the club look to strengthen their squad for another assault on the Champions League.
If Celtic can secure the treble this term they’ll also want to retain all three trophies next season and it’ll take some cash to do so.
Rodgers wanted a striker and that position remains unfilled outside of Adam Idah and player of the year Daizen Maeda. But there are other spots dotted around the pitch Celts must bolster and we at 67 Hail Hail have had a look at them.
New striker
This is the number one priority. Mathias Kvistgaarden is a long-term target while David Strelec didn’t move in January from Slovan Bratislava so could still be an option.
Maeda is top class and Idah still has talent but Celtic need an out and out striker to help with their firepower.
And after missing out on one in Jan, they have to placate the expectant fanbase by landing one for top dollar now, maybe.
Callum McGregor CDM help
The captain was missed vs Rangers with Arne Engels unable to fill his boots from a defensive standpoint. The Belgian is a more traditional attack-minded player, so there has to be someone who can cover if McGregor is missing.
Celtic tried to sign Giorgo Kochorashvili before he moved to Sporting CP, but it shows their intent.
Kieran Tierney Celtic deputy
Tierney is obviously set to be first choice at left-back having signed his pre-contract so it remains to be seen who will play second fiddle to the Arsenal defender.
Greg Taylor looks likely to leave Celtic this summer while Jeffrey Schlupp is only on loan. The Ghanian may be brought in permanently and do a solid backup job as he turns towards 33.
Right-back
Alistair Johnston has been solid as a rock this season for Celts and proved how good he is at right-back, one game against Rangers aside.
Johnston has transfer interest now with Premier League clubs and Inter Milan even mentioned in dispatches.
If the Canadian were to leave it would mean only Anthony Ralston is registered in that position, so a new signing could be what Rodgers has to consider on that side.
Extra wide strength
Jota and Nicolas Kuhn have been excellent and are a helluva wide pair for Celtic to rely on week-in, week-out and in Europe.
Daizen is also a left-sided player by nature even if he’s being picked up top right now.
Yang has been an impact sub at times for the club and James Forrest is getting on a bit in age – all due respect – so it might be a thought for the manager to look towards his wide areas.
Is Yang good enough long-term? Time will tell. But fans would prefer other options, too as they look to hold onto the Premiership title they expect to win this term.
| Position | Team | Played MP | Won W | Drawn D | Lost L | For GF | Against GA | Diff GD | Points Pts |
| 1 |  CelticCeltic | 31 | 25 | 3 | 3 | 92 | 20 | 72 | 78 |
| 2 |  RangersRangers | 31 | 20 | 5 | 6 | 66 | 31 | 35 | 65 |
| 3 |  HibernianHibernian | 31 | 12 | 11 | 8 | 48 | 41 | 7 | 47 |
| 4 |  AberdeenAberdeen | 31 | 13 | 7 | 11 | 42 | 47 | -5 | 46 |
| 5 |  Dundee UtdDundee Utd | 31 | 12 | 8 | 11 | 39 | 40 | -1 | 44 |
| 6 |  Heart Of MidlothianHeart Of Midlothian | 31 | 11 | 6 | 14 | 43 | 43 | 0 | 39 |
Centre-half option
Maik Nawrocki has stepped in recently and done okay with two games under his belt in a row. Back in January, nobody would have expected that.
It has been due to injury to Auston Trusty and Liam Scales but the Poland national may well still be allowed to leave in the summer if his patience wears thin for a legitimate crack at the starting XI.
Cameron Carter-Vickers has interested parties despite being tied down until 2029 so with Gustaf Lagerbielke also likely leaving, a new CB will be necessary.
Long-term goalkeeper
Kasper Schmeichel is 38-years-old and even though he’s done well this season, he won’t be around at Celtic forever. He is under contract now until 2026 but that’s not too far off.
Scott Bain is also dealt in until 2026 and the chances of him being offered a new deal are slim considering his lack of playing time this season.
Vil Sinisalo is obviously the long-term plan for Rodgers and his team between the sticks but he will need proper competition for that spot to avoid complacency. Now might be the right time to look for that.
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