Celtic fans have endured a strange couple of days after news came to light surrounding transfer interest in Matt O’Riley and Kyogo Furuhashi.
Kicking off with the former, Brighton & Hove Albion are nearing a deal for O’Riley that could shatter the Scottish transfer record, which has left the Bhoys searching for reinforcements.
Brendan Rodgers has made it clear he wants two midfielders if the Denmark international does leave, but there would be a lot of work to be done with just under two weeks of te window to go.
Furthermore, Celtic supporters were caught off guard this morning when Manchester City’s interest in Kyogo Furuhashi emerged. The Citizens are in the market for attacking talent due to Oscar Bobb’s injury and Julian Alvarez’s departure to Atletico Madrid.
The Japan international has been identified as a potential solution alongside another unnamed candidate of a younger age. Pep Guardiola has been focusing on a deal for Ilkay Gundogan before making a definitive decision, and the German midfielder is now close to joining on a free transfer.
In light of recent speculation, what would Celtic’s best starting lineup look like without the two men in question? Celtic travel to St Mirren on Sunday, so it may be worth exploring how they could start.
Celtic’s best line-up without O’Riley and Furuhashi
O’Riley is mooted to have played his last game for Celtic. Meanwhile, Furuhashi has been struggling with an ongoing shoulder issue, meaning there is a chance neither could take part against St Mirren.
Answering the question, Kasper Schmeichel is indisputably Brendan Rodgers’ preferred choice between the sticks. Viljami Sinisalo is one for the future, but the veteran goalkeeper has been an impressive force since joining on a free transfer this summer.
In front of the 37-year-old, Alistair Johnston and Greg Taylor occupy the full-back roles, with Cameron Carter-Vickers and Liam Scales slotting into central defence.
Some would argue that Maik Nawrocki deserves a team run; however, the manager hasn’t given the Polish centre-back any competitive action yet this term.
Now, there is an argument to include Tomoki Iwata after his solid displays in 2023/24. Regardless, Callum McGregor, Reo Hatate and permanent capture Paulo Bernardo offer a finer balance in midfield. Portugal Under-21 international Bernardo is set to be an important cog in Rodgers’ machinery, especially if O’Riley leaves.
Rounding off, Daizen Maeda comes in without hesitation on the left flank. James Forrest has been a suave operator over the last few months, evading the injuries that have troubled him throughout the past couple of years.
It is a really difficult one to pick between him and Nicolas Kuhn. The German will probably play more minutes as the season goes on, but Forrest just nicks in ahead of him at the moment due to a combination of his past and present exploits for the club. Come back to me on that later.
Taking the striker mantle, Adam Idah is the only option available and would be expected to adopt the outright striker role if Furuhashi departs. Hopefully, Celtic can retain their star forward and strengthen the ranks before the deadline.
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