Martin O’Neill is expected to stay on for next season, and it’s what every Celtic fan wanted to hear.
As soon as Celtic officially announce the news, the real work can begin in what is expected to be a clearout from top to bottom.
For Andy Walker, the writing is already on the wall for some Celtic players and their futures, even though O’Neill is staying on board.
Speaking on Go Radio, Walker feels the trio of Arne Engels, Daizen Maeda and Reo Hatate will head for the exit door this summer.
“Will Engels leave?” questioned Walker. “Will Maeda leave? Will Hatate leave? It looks likely.”
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Which players are likely to depart, given that Martin O’Neill will stay?
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Andy Walker expects Arne Engels, Daizen Maeda and Reo Hatate to leave Celtic
Reports are emerging that Hatate has asked to leave this summer. It shouldn’t be a surprise because he was left out of the matchday squad for the final few weeks of Celtic’s season.
On top of that, Maeda wanted to leave last summer, and given how this campaign went overall for the all-action forward, once again, it wouldn’t be a surprise if he departs.
Engels is an interesting one, because ideally you would like to keep him, but just like the winter transfer window, if big money is put on the table for his services, then this time, the Hoops have to accept.
Either way, Walker urged the Celtic board to provide O’Neill with what he wants, from the perspective of incomings and outgoings this summer.
“There may well be an element of surprise, ‘by God, can’t believe this old guy has done it again,'” said Walker about O’Neill.
“He still has the enthusiasm. The contrast with his experience and the energy of the younger ones beside him.
“Just off the top of your head, you need a new goalkeeper. Will Engels leave? Will Maeda leave? Will Hatate leave? It looks likely.
“You have players like Saracchi, Araujo, Cvancara, Benjamin Arthur, and I am sure there are others. It’s a big summer for anyone. They need replacing. You need quality.
“You need to be able to say, or Martin O’Neill needs to be able to say, ‘Absolutely, he is my first target. I want him. He will make such a difference. I know what he will bring to us.’ Will he get that player?”
Engels in a different boat from Maeda and Hatate
Both Maeda and Hatate are Celtic legends. They have the trophies. The memorable moments. And the incredible individual displays. Their history has been written, and it’s time to move on.
If Maeda or Hatate move on, it’s because the champions of Scotland need a refresh from having to rely on those two, which is normal and happens to every top side.
Their story is different to Engels, who has the trophies, but is still trying to prove his absolute worth in Glasgow, because he still has his critics.
The Belgian midfielder is still trying to climb that ladder, and he will only leave if the money put on the table for his services is too good to turn down.
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