Celtic have a decision to make on the eight players out of contract at the end of the season.
Eight players’ deals are up in 2026 and the Hoops are preparing for a summer of change where a number of first-team players are likely to depart.
Brendan Rodgers’ future is also in doubt and conversations will need to be had depending on who the Celtic manager is.
Each player is playing for their future, and 67 Hail Hail has decided where the future of the eight players lies.
James Forrest
A Celtic without James Forrest will feel very strange, but for now, we can still enjoy him.
Forrest is a bit-part player these days and is now battling with new signings Michel-Ange Balikwisha and Sebastian Tounekti as well as the contingent already here.
Now 34, the winger is in the twilight of his career and knows that starting afresh elsewhere would almost be too difficult, especially after proving that he still has a lot to offer.
It’s only right that he stays at Parkhead and should get a new deal.
Decision: Keep
Kasper Schmeichel
Like Forrest, Kasper Schmeichel is in the latter stages of his career but is still playing every week.
Goalkeepers tend to have a longer career than anyone else and the 38-year-old is still yet to concede a goal.
Viljami Sinisalo is a capable back-up option, and has what it takes to become the number one option. Keeping Schmeichel is a good idea but maybe him and Sinisalo reverse the roles.
Decision: Keep
Sean McArdle
After making his breakthrough last season, Celtic academy graduate Sean McArdle hasn’t been near the first team yet.
McArdle is a regular for Celtic B and is still in the early phases of his professional career. The 18-year-old may need to go out on loan to continue his development, but he should definitely stay and continue to work with the squad.
Decision: Keep
Jahmai Simpson-Pusey (loan)
It’s been a frustrating start to life at Celtic for Jahmai Simpson-Pusey.
Rodgers left Simpson-Pusey out of the Europa League squad and is yet to hand him his debut.
The 19-year-old is a highly-rated defender at Manchester City and they will be disappointed to see him not getting any game time.
It’s still early days and there is plenty of time to turn it around, but it’s hard to imagine his stay being extended.
Decision: Don’t extend loan
Jude Bonnar
It’s always a tough decision when it comes to young players and their futures at Celtic.
Jude Bonnar is liked by Ayr United boss Scott Brown, where he is spending the season out on loan.
Bonnar is around the first team in pre-season but never from a competitive sense. Having seen the success of Ben Doak and Rocco Vata since they left Celtic, the 19-year-old may want to try his luck elsewhere.
Decision: Release
Ben Summers
Ben Summers is in a similar position to Bonnar, but just slightly older.
The 21-year-old spent the 2024/25 season at Admira Wacker in Austria but didn’t do enough to make Rodgers think he is worthy of a first-team squad.
His time is up at Celtic, sadly, and a new adventure elsewhere is best for all parties.
Decision: Release
Marcelo Saracchi (loan)
We’ve only had a brief glimpse of Marcelo Saracchi after he came on as a second half sub in the drab Glasgow derby stalemate.
Saracchi provides good cover for Kieran Tierney and can also play right-back if the club are in desperate need.
The Argentine has a wealth of experience playing for big clubs in high-pressure scenarios and while Celtic need to refresh the squad with younger players, the likes of Saracchi are invaluable.
Decision: Keep
Kelechi Iheanacho
Kelechi Iheanacho joined after deadline day following Celtic’s failure to get a striker in.
Rodgers has backed Iheanacho to succeed with the Hoops after he agreed to a one-year deal.
We haven’t seen the Nigeria international yet so the jury is still out but as a backup, could be solid.
Decision: Keep
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