Celtic have come off another transfer window and Brendan Rodgers is relatively pleased with the shape of his squad that will see him through to January.
The Irishman praised the club for their work in enacting movement in both directions, and most supporters will be glad the stress of the market is over for another few months.
However, Celtic never sleep and you can be assured that eyes somewhere in the building will already be on profiling future targets.
Of course, the mid-season window offers up the potential for a bargain or two with individuals who haven’t signed fresh terms at their new club and could eventually depart on a free transfer.
Without further ado, 67 Hail Hail take a look at three players that Celtic could consider once 2025 rolls around.
Sem Steijn’s form will soon attract plenty of suitors
Kicking off, FC Twente midfielder Sem Steijn appears to be one of the most attractive names on the list of players who have yet to commit to longer terms at their current employers.
The 22-year-old could be available next summer on a free transfer, but the Eredivisie outfit retain an option to extend his deal by a year at De Grolsch Veste.
Predominantly an attacking midfielder, Steijn has scored 27 goals and laid on six assists in 81 appearances for Twente. In five matches this term, he has already registered two strikes and an assist against RB Salzburg in Champions League qualifying.
Per Fotmob, the Hague-born man created 30 chances and took on 89 shots in total in the Dutch top-flight last campaign, with 31 hitting the target.
Admittedly, he is on the more ambitious end of the scale. You get the impression that Steijn will soon attract attention from many clubs on the market.
Daniel Gazdag and his previous links to Celtic
Philadelphia Union midfielder Daniel Gazdag was linked with Celtic this summer as the club frantically searched for replacements ahead of Matt O’Riley’s departure.
The Hungary international is a little different in this respect, seeing as his contract at the Major League Soccer outfit doesn’t expire until December 2025. Nevertheless, he is an example of the value on offer in the Stateside market.
Gazdag is also an attacking midfielder and is clinical in front of goal, notching 16 goals and six assists in 34 appearances for Philadelphia Union this campaign.
Taking on an average of 1.7 shots per league fixture, the 28-year-old has directed 1.2 on target and holds similarities to Steijn when evaluating the potency of both [Sofascore].
Rodgers can never have enough quality in his engine room, and Gazdag’s situation may be worth monitoring over time. Philadephia Union have the option to extend his deal by a year, but could the prospect of Champions League football tempt him to Celtic Park?
The Luke Woolfenden option is little closer to home
Looking at options across the market, Ipswich Town’s Luke Woolfenden would be a statement signing if Celtic could lure the 25-year-old away from the riches of the Premier League.
Carrying a common theme, the former Swindon Town loanee is under contract at Portman Road until 2025, with the Tractor Boys having an activation option for another 12 months.
The Englishman was a consistent fixture under Kieran McKenna last term, playing 42 times as the academy graduate helped his side win a historic promotion to the top flight.
Featuring in their opening three Premier League matches, Woolfenden has made six interceptions and won four duels alongside recording a pass accuracy rate of 88.7% from 126 attempted [Fotmob].
Several factors would probably need to occur for this to happen given the circumstances, including Ipswich potentially going down. However, he is another player with the profile to fit Rodgers’ possession-based style of play worth thinking about.
Receive a digest of our best Celtic content each week direct to your mailbox
