Celtic have rounded out their squad this summer, with a focus on depth rather than immediately improving a starting eleven built almost from scratch over two windows last season.
Sead Haksabanovic’s proposed transfer fills a would-be gap in this squad in a couple of positions, but despite a few outgoings already, there is a little more weight that can be dropped from the pool of players available to manager Ange Postecoglou.
With a fortnight before the transfer window closes on September 1st, here’s the business that the Australian’s side still have to do in each position.
Goalkeeper
With the signing of Benjamin Siegrist, there’s unlikely to be any further movement between the sticks. The Swiss will almost certainly be backup to Joe Hart with Scott Bain competing with B-Team goalkeeper Tobi Oluwayemi for a spot in the matchday squad, assuming the young Englishman doesn’t go out on loan.
Defence
In defence, things also look settled. The signing of Alexandro Bernabei this window gives Greg Taylor cover and fills out the four mandatory first team full back spots, with Josip Juranovic and Anthony Ralston continuing on the right.
In the centre of defence, Cameron Carter-Vickers’ permanent signing reunites last season’s inseparable partnership with Carl Starfelt, with Mortiz Jenz and Stephen Welsh offering competition. Christopher Jullien looks out of the picture and it seems likely that the collapse of his loan move to Schalke won’t deter him from seeking out first team football this summer. Should Jullien find a move, another centre half to mix it with the four ahead of him wouldn’t go amiss.
Midfield
The centre of midfield has been bolstered this summer with the signing of Aaron Mooy, and with Haksabanovic’s reported ability to fill in as a midfield “8” in a pinch, it seems wise to only expect outgoings from here, assuming that the Montenegrin signs.
Both James McCarthy and Liam Shaw look unlikely to see minutes and given their lack of pre-season action, will surely look for respective exits, be that permanent or on loan. Scott Robertson’s future is also unclear following his initially fruitful loan spell at Crewe last season, after he sustained a long-term injury in March. Should Yosuke Ideguchi’s injury woes continue, this could be a position to address in January.
Attack
Even if Haksabanovic signs, it seems unlikely that this will alter Postecoglou’s first choice forward line, at least not immediately. Daizen Maeda, Kyogo and Jota have started all three games so far this season and with both Abada and Giorgios Giakoumakis making sub appearances, competition is hot in these positions.
Otherwise, Albian Ajeti hasn’t even made a competitive squad so far this season and looks completely out of the picture – a loan move will be more likely than a permanent transfer at this point. Mikey Johnston also hasn’t featured in the league so far and has been heavily linked with Standard Liege, and a loan move would suit a player who the manager hasn’t completely ruled out having a future at Celtic. Johnny Kenny seems likely to continue with the B-team, assuming there are no suitable loan offers for the Irishman.
Whilst a utility option who can play on the right and through the middle would be a nice safety net for injuries, it seems that this is another position where the only business will be outgoings for the moment.
In other news: Celtic show no fear ahead of UEFA Champions League draw
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