Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers will be eyeing some quality additions as the transfer window promises to deliver an exciting finale.
In a sense, the market has opened up in stages after being slightly staggered due to two international tournaments this summer.
Breeding frustration, Celtic got off to a slow start in recruiting arrivals this summer. Kasper Schmeichel, Viljami Sinisalo and Paulo Bernardo arrived, but supporters have been expecting more additions to flesh out the squad. Saying that, Adam Idah has finally joined up permanently after a long-winded saga.
The Bhoys have a history of doing business late in the window, with a mixed hit rate when analysing activity in recent years. However, they are usually onto a winner when they get it right. Think of Jota and Cameron Carter-Vickers as examples.
Now primed for a late tilt, Rodgers and company may finally have their ducks in a row after identifying several targets to bolster the ranks before the deadline.
Celtic’s late search for arrivals as targets identified
While the Bhoys continue to go from strength to strength on the pitch, there is a common sentiment among supporters that a few arrivals to provide Rodgers with the depth necessary to challenge on both European and domestic fronts would make a world of difference.
One area that needs surgery is left-back. Greg Taylor remains the only senior option on the books in that position, so it won’t be surprising that Celtic’s interest in Owen Beck has resurfaced following a failed attempt to land the Welshman in January.
Liverpool would prefer to sell the 22-year-old permanently, which could give the reigning Scottish top-flight champions a small advantage in their pursuit. Nevertheless, Queens Park Rangers are in talks over a loan swoop for the ex-Dundee man while other EFL clubs circle.
Rodgers is still addressing central defence, though there is scope for reinforcements if Yuki Kobayashi, Gustaf Lagerbielke, or Maik Nawrocki enter the departure lounge. Intriguingly, midfield appears to be the area where Celtic are most likely to strike.
Recently, reports broke suggesting that Celtic are expected to make an offer for Luke McCowan. Dundee are set to hold out for a fee of £1 million despite his contract at Dens Park expiring in 2025.
Furthermore, Augsburg star Arne Engels is also being considered as a potential contingency plan if Matt O’Riley departs. The Belgium Under-21 international is someone the Bundesliga outfit could cash on this summer, and his versatility would be an appealing commodity to Rodgers.
On the more ambitious end of the scale, Liverpool outcast Wataru Endo has been linked to Celtic after falling down the pecking order under Arne Slot. The Reds are open to selling the Japan captain for a fee of £15 million, something you would suspect rules the Hoops out of being able to land his services.
Concerning the wide areas, Norwich City talent Abu Kamara and Liverpool’s Ben Doak, a Lennoxtown graduate, are the two most prominent names in circulation. When other transfer stories come to light, 67 Hail Hail will be swift on the scene to keep supporters informed.
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