10 players who could join Celtic this summer

Analysis

Tom Weber | Editor

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 10 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."

He was recently nominated for Scottish Player of the Year.

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.

Eliot Watt (Motherwell)

Just isn't the only player from Fir Park that Celtic will be keeping a keen eye on this summer as his central midfield partner Elliot Watt has also lit up the Scottish Premiership with his performances this campaign.

Brought in from Burton Albion after spending last season on loan at St. Johnstone, he's been a revelation in midfield for the Steelmen. While Scottish football has a reputation for being rough and ready, Watt has shone with his ability in possession, which is complemented by a real eye for a pass.

Celtic may need to act quickly, however, as Glasgow rivals Rangers have been strongly linked with the Motherwell man.

Fares Ghedjemis (Frosinone)

Fares Ghedjemis was on Celtic’s radar in January, but a move to Glasgow fell through when Martin O’Neill’s side opted against matching the €7.8 million asking price set by the Serie B outfit.

He remains a target ahead of this summer, with the club expected to sign at least one new forward before the start of next season, but reports in Italy have confirmed that Bologna also want to sign the winger.

The versatile attacker, who has featured most prominently as a right winger this season, has registered 17 goal contributions in 34 Serie B games this term, however Frosinone are open to cashing in on their prized asset if they fail to secure promotion back to the Italian top flight.

Miguel Chaiwa (Hibernian)

Miguel Chaiwa was earmarked as one of the Hoops’ primary targets in January and although initial negotiations took place during the winter, an agreement could not be finalised between the two clubs.

However, Celtic have remained interested in signing the midfielder and they have been in further contact with Hibernian in recent weeks as they look to finally agree a deal to bring him to Glasgow this summer.

There is a general consensus that the team need more steel and athleticism in the middle of the pitch and with Callum McGregor getting on in years and others not stepping up this season, the Hibs man might be a relatively cheap yet shrewd acquisition.

Mathew Ryan (Levante)

Celtic will definitely look to acquire a new goalkeeper this summer following Kasper Schmeichel's season-ending injury which has raised questions about whether he'll play for the club again, with retirement a possibility.

Viljami Sinisalo has stepped in admirably to perform in key matches such as away at Ibrox in the Scottish Cup, but there are doubts over his long-term ability as the undisputed number one.

Either way, Celtic will need reinforcements in that area and will reportedly target Mathew Ryan of Levante.

The veteran Australian has impressed in Spain and it is out of contract this summer but Levante apparently hold the option to extend his deal by a year which could complicate any proposed deal.

Tyrese Campbell (Sheffield Utd)

Tyrese Campbell has long been linked with a move to Celtic Park and there were rumours of a bid in January that never materialised.

The 26-year-old has scored six goals and provided three assists in 36 appearances for Sheffield United so far this season but could be allowed to leave in the off-season.

Rangers were also interested in signing the former Stoke City striker, and both clubs submitted formal enquiries over a possible winter deal before Sheffield United blocked a potential exit.

Celtic will sign at least one new centre-forward and Campbell could be brought in for some competition for that number nine role.

His contract expires in 2027 so could be available for a lower fee.

Written by

Tom Weber | Editor

Tom Weber is a multilingual sports writer who specialises in European football as part of his freelance work for FootballTransfers.

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