Celtic will always be on the lookout for bargains in the transfer market as Brendan Rodgers looks to build a team capable of conquering all domestically.
Success in Europe would also be excellent, but that isn’t to say that you can’t achieve stardom without spending tens of millions. There is a compromise to be found if the club look hard enough.
The summer transfer window came and went, leaving Celtic with a first-team squad packed full of talent while retaining squad depth in each position.
Looking ahead to January, the mid-season market is usually about topping that up and compensating for any injury concerns. Navigating the month can be tricky, with clubs unwilling to part with their prize assets.
Considering that, it is worth exploring different avenues for Celtic to exploit. The Major League Soccer scene could be one, with their season ending in late December.
Celtic and value in MLS with player contracts running down
67 Hail Hail have already spoken about the value of Celtic returning to the MLS market. Alistair Johnston came from there and has forged himself as an indispensable player under Brendan Rodgers, so fans already know there is value across the Atlantic.
However, it is also worth considering the potential bargains of those whose contracts are set to expire in the near future. Unlike clubs across Europe, American sides could have to prepare to lose some of their stars in a matter of months.
You can even apply this logic of worth to be had with those contracted until 2025. While their future remains unclear, their market value inevitably decreases.
Intriguingly, Philadelphia Union midfielder Daniel Gazdag falls into the second category. Celtic profiled the Hungary international during the summer as a potential replacement for Matt O’Riley.
Potentially available on a free transfer in December 2025, the 29-year-old has scored 16 times this term across all competitions and may be available in the future for a knockdown fee compared to the £10 million his current employers were asking for a few months ago, lending credence to the point.
Columbus Crew striker Jacen Russell-Rowe was also on Celtic’s radar in the summer. The Canada international has seven goals in 26 across 2024 and could be out of contract at the end of this year. Nevertheless, there is a two-year extension option on his current deal.
LAFC forward Mateusz Bogusz was another name targeted and has two years left on his deal, making it a little bit more difficult to fit him into my argument. Either way, there is value to be had and the potential to revisit former targets may become more likely if they don’t commit to extensions where they are.
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