Celtic have midfielder Romeo Amane on a transfer ‘shortlist’ but it doesn’t look like he’ll be making a switch to the Bhoys this month.
Amane was first linked with a move to the Bhoys in December when it was reported the Scottish champions had sent scouts to watch him in UEFA Europa League action with BK Hacken.
It was said that the Swedish club are looking for around £3m for his services and that Celtic were considering a January move.
However, Football Scotland reports tonight that while there is interest in the player, he’s considered to be an option pursued in the summer transfer window rather than this one.
Celtic are on the verge of announcing winger Nicolas Kuhn as the first signing of January. He’ll arrive to compete for minutes with Liel Abada, Daizen Maeda and Luis Palma in the Bhoys attack.
After he’s in the door, it’s thought that Brendan Rodgers will prioritise moves for a left-back and a striker before the end of the month, the latter of which could arrive on loan.
Celtic midfield line-up set until the summer
Amane was one of the most effective and potent attack-minded central midfielders in Allsvenkan throughout 2023, with FotMob data showing particular strengths in chance creation and dribbling.
However, with Callum McGregor, Matt O’Riley, Reo Hatate, Paulo Bernardo and Tomoki Iwata all available, and others in place as backups, it’s easy to understand why the manager would put a focus on other areas of the team right now.
A left-back is badly needed to provide credible competition for Greg Taylor, who has started all 29 of Celtic’s matches so far this season.
With Alexandro Bernabei firmly on the fringes of Rodgers’ plans, it makes sense to ensure quality arrives in that position before any others.
There will also be a focus on moving players on, with the manager clearly stating he would prefer a squad size of around 25 to emerge over the next few transfer windows, down from the current total of over 30.
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