PRIORITIES: THE FIRST THINGS CELTIC NEED TO DO THIS SUMMER
- BY LIAM CARRIGAN
- Mar 31
- 3 min read
It’s going to be a busy summer for Celtic. We already have one player coming in, at least 2 leaving, and there’s bound to be more ins and outs once the transfer window reopens.
Give the Celtic Manager a Longer Contract
Our first priority has to be to tie-down Brendan Rodgers on an extended contract.
Next season is the final season of his current deal, so we don’t want this uncertainty to drag on.
Stable leadership is crucial to a stable team, getting Rodgers to commit to a few more years is a sign of confidence in him, which in turn will give the players more confidence too.
It would also buy the board some goodwill from the fans if, as is usually the case, transfer negotiations for new players this summer take longer than we would like them to.
Give Daizen a New Deal At Celtic
If sources here in Japan are to be believed (and I trust them a lot more than the Scottish press), initial discussions between Daizen Maeda’s representatives and Celtic on a hugely improved contract have already begun.
I sincerely hope this is the case.
As I said before, in Maeda’s case, his family life will play a huge part in his final decision.
It seems that his wife and kids are very happy in Scotland. We can’t read too much into that obviously, but it’s undeniably a good sign.
He will attract some interest in the summer, of that I am certain.
However, if Celtic are sincere in their ambitions to make a bigger impact in Europe next year, holding onto players like Daizen is absolutely essential.
As I said, holding onto Daizen Maeda and other key personnel will be crucial for Celtic’s European aspirations.
However, recent events have also shown areas where we are potentially exposed. These gaps in the squad need to be plugged, ideally before our Champions League play-off in August.
A tough-tackling defensive midfielder is a necessity. Callum McGregor has been sensational for a number of years, but he can’t play every week, and we look decidedly weaker in the midfield when he’s not there.
We’ve also been accused of lacking physicality and aggression at times, particularly in our two losses to Rangers this season. So, an imposing defensive midfielder is a must for me.
With the probable departure of Stephen Welsh, Maik Narowski and Gustaf Lagerbielke, we probably need at least one more central defender to go alongside Cameron Carter-Vickers, Liam Scales and Auston Trusty.
As I mentioned before, I think we could do a lot worse than look at recent Japan National Team debutant Kota Takai.
We’ll also need another left back to cover for Kieran Tierney. Though I still hold out hope that will be Jeffrey Schlupp.
Right back is covered in my opinion. Alistair Johnston is a superb defender and Anthony Ralston is a perfectly capable deputy, certainly at Scottish League level.
Above All Else, Celtic Musn’t Dawdle
Celtic’s biggest weakness in recent summer transfer windows has been dithering. We’ve missed out on some great potential signings, by moving too slowly.
Others have been delayed, because we haggled over minutiae.
That can’t happen next season.
Recent results, particularly in Glasgow derbies are a warning. We are well ahead of the rest in Scotland right now. But to stay there, we have to keep pressing forward and doing so in a timely manner.
