Potential Celtic exit could showcase what Ange Postecoglou's next transfer move will be

By Lewis Laird

July 27, 2022

It has been a busy summer transfer window for Ange Postecoglou and Celtic.

The 56-year-old has overseen seven new permanent arrivals, which included three familiar faces who played their part last season.

It hasn’t just been about the incomings either, though, and some of Postecoglou’s focus has switched to those heading out the Parkhead door.

There are a few players who looked destined to become the next member of the squad leaving the club this summer, joining the likes of Boli Bolingoli and Ismaila Soro.

However, the one man who is now all but set to leave the Hoops on a temporary loan spell is Celtic winger Mikey Johnston.

Reports yesterday evening stated that Ange Postecoglou will sanction a loan move for the 23-year-old, who is in desperate need of regular game time.

The academy graduate has had a tough time of things at the club in recent years, and this sort of loan move elsewhere in the UK or a side in Europe seems ideal at this point in his career.

And whilst that move would signal more players heading for the exit door, it could also give an early indication as to what the Celtic manager’s next move in the transfer market will be.

By allowing Johnston to depart at this stage of the window, in my opinion, it all but confirms Ange Postecoglou is confident of adding another attacking option, either on the wing or capable of playing across the front three.

Even before you consider the exit of the former Scotland youth internationalist, some sections of the support were already calling for further new addition in the wide and forward areas.

Of course, we do have some brilliant options in that area of the park, including Jota, Daizen Maeda and Liel Abada. However, those players have faced their share of injury issues in their first 12 months at Parkhead, and some more backup options may be needed.

By allowing one potential option in that area to leave the club on loan this season, it suggests that a new forward player is something Postecoglou is confident of arriving in time before the window shuts at the beginning of September.

Several reports in the last few months have stated that the 56-year-old has been actively looking to bring a new player in that position to the club.

However, as of yet, there haven’t been too many links to new attacking options.

There is still plenty of time in the transfer window for Celtic to make their move, and I have no doubt that Postecoglou isn’t quite finished just yet with incomings.

But, his latest move to allow Mikey Johnston to head out this season might have been a fresh indicator of what he plans to do next in the market.

In other news, International director details why he knew Carl Starfelt was going to be a success at Celtic.