According to a recent report by the Daily Record, Premiership giants Celtic have been tipped to limit themselves to just ‘two or three’ new additions in the summer by assistant coach John Kennedy. The Scot believes that the Celts’ current squad is pretty well stacked and that the introduction of a few new names to freshen up the scene will be enough to tip the title scales in their favour yet again this term. With nine back-to-back titles already secured, next season is undoubtedly going to be a vital one in the history of the football club.
With two or three additions planned by Celtic, Kennedy also conceded that the club is in a good position to decline offers from other sides. He said, “We’ll probably look at two or three signings to keep things fresh. We’ve got a strong squad and we’re really happy about that, but you’re always looking to see what can make us better. We want to keep our best players, keep the core of the group. The only thing that would change that is if we get a huge offer that demands we consider it plus a player wanting to go. We’ve already put nine behind us. The focus is now on ten.”
What Is The Current Celtic Squad Situation?
Neil Lennon’s side have a fairly well-rounded squad, with just a few alterations needed here and there to ensure the same smooth functioning as the last couple of seasons.
They possess multiple options at centre-half as well as centre-forward, but with the futures of Kristoffer Ajer and Odsonne Edouard still hanging in the balance, they could need to strengthen in those areas. Between the sticks is another position that Lennon is sure to be concerned about ahead of the start of next season.
Two Or Three Additions Planned By Celtic: Here Are The Three Positions They Should Prioritise:
Goalkeeper
Fraser Forster was a rock at the back for the Hoops last season, but with the Englishman now back at Southampton following the end of his loan spell, the Celts will have to look at signing a new goalkeeper in the summer. Neither of the alternate options available to Lennon will be able to perform to the same standards as Forster did the last term, meaning that bringing in a keeper is an absolute priority for the reigning champions of Scotland.
Centre-Back
There are currently four recognised centre-halves in the Celtic squad for Lennon to choose from, but the lack of clarity surrounding the future of Kristoffer Ajer is bound to raise some questions ahead of the next campaign. The Norwegian has been a brilliant presence at the back for the Hoops, and him leaving could end up having dire effects on the side. The addition of a new central defender who boasts not just the physical attributes, but also intelligence, will come as a boon to the Celts next season.
Centre-Forward
In Odsonne Edouard, Neil Lennon arguably has the best striker in the entire Premiership at his disposal. However, the Frenchman’s departure could leave a gaping hole right at the top of the Celtic lineup. While the presence of names like Leigh Griffiths and Patryk Klimala would probably come as slight reliefs, the fact remains that replacing a player of Edouard’s stature could require a serious splurge into the transfer market this summer.