Nobody knows where Celtic will be come January.
One thing is for sure, though – they’ll need reinforcements. Regardless of whether the manager is Wilfried Nancy, Martin O’Neill or Brendan Rodgers.
The after-effects of the summer transfer window are still being felt. Not only did they lead to Rodgers’ departure, but also a wave of fan protests which have dominated conversations.
If Celtic are serious about getting fan relations back on track, the January window will be an essential place to start.
And according to a report, two familiar names top the club’s shortlist for the window.
You have £20m to spend in the January transfer window. How are you spending it?
Two men ‘top’ of Celtic’s January shortlist
Celtic have been known to make a habit out of chasing players over multiple transfer windows.
Michel-Ange Balikwisha, Mathias Kvistgaarden and Jeffrey Schlupp are all examples of this.
READ MORE: Celtic coaching staff question answered as Wilfried Nancy ally makes decision on future
And, according to TEAMTalk, it looks that two more names you can add to that list are Mateusz Bogusz and Louis Munteanu.
Polish attacking midfielder Bogusz was first targeted in the summer of 2024, which eventually saw Celtic sign Arne Engels.
Bogusz is a different type of midfielder to the Belgian, usually operating in the final third and averaging almost three shots a game. In the 2024 MLS season, he scored 16 goals.
Nancy and the club will both know him well. He is out of favour having struggled since joining Mexican side Cruz Azul, and is expected to leave next month.
Munteanu’s situation is different. CFR Cluj made a real mess of his situation last summer, inflating his value to around €20 million, which none of his suitors were willing to pay.
The 23-year-old striker made a poor start to the season, unsettled by his club’s refusal to sell. His value has undoubtedly gone down, and Celtic are reportedly set to re-enter the market.
The report says that a January move for Munteanu, who scored 25 goals last season, would cost Celtic between £6-10 million.
Whilst most positions of this Celtic team could do with some help, it certainly feels like the attack needs it most.
Louis Munteanu… no-brainer or red flag?
Celtic’s other reported January targets
Looking closer to home, David Watson is reportedly of interest to the Celts, having excelled for Kilmarnock despite their poor form this season.
Celtic have also been linked with Morocco Under-20 pair Hossam Essadak and Othame Maamaaa, but neither would appear to be first-team ready signings.
Nancy knows Wessam Abou Ali, having signed him for Columbus six months ago – the Palestinian striker has been linked to follow the manager to Celtic.
Shamrock Rovers striker Michael Noonan is also one that Celtic are ‘confident’ of signing – but another young player without much experience.
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