Celtic are expected to have a busy summer and the Hoops are working hard to bolster their squad.
Brendan Rodgers wants to capitalise on Celtic’s dominance and win a fifth consecutive league title.
Kieran Tierney has returned to Celtic and a host of other names are tipped to head to Celtic Park.
Hoops fans have demanded a squad overhaul too and should everything go to plan, a really strong side could be assembled.
With that here is how 67 Hail Hail think the Celtic starting XI could look at the end of the summer transfer window.
Celtic’s dream starting XI after summer transfer window
Kasper Schmeichel
A no-brainer really. Kasper Schmeichel is the number one and will be until the day he leaves. Peter Schmeichel said Kasper is “enjoying” Celtic and that he has no plans to leave any time soon, despite his son hinting that he may want to play in his native Denmark at least once in his career.
Alistair Johnston
Like Schmeichel, Alistair Johnston is assured of his place in the XI and will be a key figure for Rodgers for going forward. Johnston is part of the furniture and the Canadian will be set for another strong season.
Cameron Carter-Vickers
Cameron Carter-Vickers is one of the first names on the team sheet and a leader at the back. The best defender in Scotland by some distance and will be integral to Rodgers’ aims. Premier League clubs are sniffing around Carter-Vickers so could face a battle to keep him at the club, but if the American stays, that’s a big win already.
Kristoffer Ajer
The first of the new additions is an old face returning in Kristoffer Ajer. Maik Nawrocki is clearly not fancied by Rodgers and Liam Scales and Auston Trusty have both failed to nail down a regular spot next to Carter-Vickers. Ajer could leave Brentford after falling out of favour and although he isn’t left-footed like Rodgers prefers, his quality next to CCV could be the perfect tool. He’d also have a capable left-back next to him…
Kieran Tierney
He’s finally home. Kieran Tierney is going to be welcomed back into the left back slot with open arms. Sadly, it will be a while before Tierney links up with Jota but to see the local lad back in the green and white is going to be amazing.
Callum McGregor (C)
Captain fantastic. Callum McGregor is the first name on the team sheet and will hope to once again lead the Hoops to victory.
Reo Hatate
Reo Hatate has always been linked with other clubs but has remained put in Glasgow. An end of season injury came at a terrible time for the Japan international and while he frustrates at times, is one of those players that can unlock a defence at any moment. Next season will be a big one for him.
Arne Engels
Celtic’s record signing had an up-and-down first season in Glasgow but will face much harsher judgement in the 2025/26 campaign. Engels has been told he’d fit the style of Borussia Dortmund but the Bhoys’ Young Player of the Season will have at least another 12 months at Celtic Park before potentially going for a large fee in 2026.
Nicolas Kuhn
If the Nicolas Kuhn from the first half of last season can maintain his form all year round then we’re onto a winner. Kuhn’s value has skyrocketed since joining from Rapid Wien and was one of three Celtic players to score 20 plus goals. He still gets the nod in the XI for now, but it wouldn’t take much for him to be dropped.
Benjamin Nygren
Benjamin Nygren looks set to join Celtic and will be considered a real coup. An expert has said the Nygren deal is a ‘steal’ for the Hoops, with some reports suggesting he will cost £2m. The Sweden international scored 15 goals in 30 games in the Danish Superliga and could be the perfect candidate to challenge Adam Idah.
Daizen Maeda
Last, but by no means least, it’s talisman Daizen Maeda. His 33 goals were crucial in the domestic double and despite Maeda hinting at not signing a new contract and some interest from Turkey and England, nothing concrete has come in and he seems destined to stay.
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