Celtic are set for a transformative summer transfer window after a tumultuous season.
The Hoops are in desperate need of a makeover after burning through two permanent managers this season, resulting in 74-year-old Martin O’Neill having to take charge of the side twice.
The club legend managed to steady the ship, but in order to really kick on next season, Celtic need major investment and smart recruitment this summer. Unsurprisingly, the Parkhead outfit have been linked with scores of potential targets.
Below, FootballTransfers runs through five players who could join Celtic this summer…
Andy Robertson (Liverpool)
Starting off with perhaps the most unrealistic one, Liverpool legend Andy Robertson is available on a free transfer, and it is no secret that he adores Celtic. A boyhood fan and former academy prospect, the Scotland captain bleeds green.
The 32-year-old has long been linked with a triumphant return to Glasgow, but this seems unlikely to materialise, despite reported interest from the club. Robertson still feels that he can compete in the Premier League and has a verbal agreement to join Tottenham on a Bosman.
However, at the time of writing, there is still a chance for this transfer to collapse. With Spurs teetering on the brink of relegation to the Championship, Robertson could yet decide to snub the North London club. It is believed that Robertson will only join them if they stay up.
Scott McKenna (Dinamo Zagreb)
Celtic have been scouting Scotland international Scott McKenna in recent months as they seek reinforcements for their backline. The Hoops would love to bring him in this summer.
However, McKenna will neither be cheap nor easy to attain. Not only is the Dinamo Zagreb defender fielding interest from numerous clubs in England, he has been the subject of bids worth €11.5 million, according to the club’s chief scout Tomislav Sokota.
Celtic will need deep pockets to win the race for McKenna. He could become the club’s most expensive defender ever if he were to elect to move to Glasgow.
Elijah Just (Motherwell)
Motherwell winger Elijah Just has been linked with both Celtic and Rangers in recent weeks, courtesy of his great performances for the Steelmen this season. The New Zealand international could be set for big things after the World Cup.
A move to Celtic would be an easy sell to Just, who is loving life in Glasgow. “It’s just been so easy to integrate into society, walking around Glasgow with different restaurants and events that are going on, because everything’s in English, it’s just so much easier,” he recently explained.
“It really is like living a different life from when my girlfriend and I were in Denmark and Austria, where it’s just so much more difficult when you don’t understand what’s going on.”
Julian Araujo (Bournemouth)
Julian Araujo initially joined Celtic on loan in the January window, being the only signing of Wilfried Nancy’s forgettable 33-day tenure. Despite arriving under the maligned Frenchman, the Mexico international actually looked a good signing.
Though he had defensive lapses, the right-back impressed and became a fan favourite thanks to his passion and commitment. That was until an injury cut his season and, by extension, his loan spell short.
Before he was sidelined, he was frequently asked about his future and did not rule out staying beyond this term. Celtic don’t have a purchase option, so they will have to negotiate with Bournemouth again. The Cherries likely wouldn’t block a return to Glasgow.
Lorent Tolaj (Plymouth)
None of Celtic’s centre-forwards have been particularly impressive this season, with winger Benjamin Nygren the club’s runaway top scorer. Consequently, the Hoops will need to dip into the market for a new No.9.
In recent weeks, reports have strongly linked Celtic with a move for Plymouth hitman Lorent Tolaj, who has been unstoppable in League One, scoring a goal every other game.
Plymouth paid a sizeable €1.4m for him last summer – making him the club’s third-most-expensive signing ever – and handed him a contract until 2029, so Celtic will have to cough up a fair bit of money to sign him.
The FootballTransfers app
Check out FootballTransfers’ new app for all of football’s big storylines, transfer rumours and exclusive news in one convenient place directly on your mobile device.
The FootballTransfers app is available on Google Play and in the Apple App Store. Download here:
•Google Play
•App Store
