Celtic’s quest to remain at the top of Scottish football looks to be secure for at least another season, although the lack of transfer activity over the summer remains a concern. The move for Odsonne Edouard gives the Bhoys the most potent attack in the Scottish Premier League as the Frenchman made his loan from Paris Saint-Germain a permanent switch for a reported club-record fee. Keeper Scott Bain also came through the door as a backup option for Craig Gordon on a free transfer after playing seven matches for Brendan Rodgers’ men on loan last term.
Although the squad appears to be a solid shape for continued dominance domestically. Celtic have not done enough as of yet to bolster their ranks to improve their standings in the UEFA Champions League. Even the most optimistic of Celtic fans will not be expecting a run to the final as highlighted in their odds with the football betting website Betway of 250/1 to win the competition as of July 17, but reaching the round of 16 has to be Rodgers’ primary target.
The club last progressed to the knockout phase in the 2012/13 campaign when they were defeated by Juventus. However, the run included a memorable victory over Barcelona at Celtic Park, while only a late Jordi Alba strike prevented the Bhoys from taking a point away from the Camp Nou. There are not a lot of areas for improvement under Rodgers’ tenure, but given their dominance in the league it has to be a priority and further additions will be needed to make the goal realistic.
Rearguard
Gordon remains a fine shot-stopper between the sticks. The 35-year-old does have his faults, but he does not need replacing any time soon. Resources have to be flooded into the middle of the backline. Dedryck Boyata has a degree of talent and has put forward some solid displays in the past. He provides a senior presence to Kristoffer Ajer alongside him, but to make strides in the Champions League and to avoid lapses at the back, the club are in need of an improvement. Yeovil defender Tom James has been linked, although he is hardly of the calibre that the Bhoys need for the continent. Lee Congerton may have to look abroad for his defensive reinforcements in the middle of the line.
Kieran Tierney is of the quality that can push Celtic into the knockout phase of the competition. However, his displays in the SPL, as well as Europe, have caught the attention of the elite clubs south of the border. Manchester United have been noted admirers in the past, although on this occasion Everton are the team attempting the lure the Scotland international away from Parkhead, although their interest, for now, has cooled. The Toffees will be looking for a successor to Leighton Baines and have the capital to make a significant offer. Rodgers and Celtic face challenges not only to bolster their side, but also to keep their key players at the club. They cannot afford to lose players of Tierney’s calibre this summer.
Final Third
Celtic boast a front two that has a huge potential between Moussa Dembele and Edouard. Both forwards are exciting prospects and have already proven that they are capable of raising the levels of their game to the Champions League standard. Providing ammunition for the Frenchmen could be an issue following the departure of Stuart Armstrong to Southampton, while Patrick Roberts’ loan spell came to an end. The Chelsea pipeline from Rodgers and Congerton’s former club failed to bear fruit with Charley Musonda’s underwhelming loan move last season. They could return to look at the Blues’ embarrassment of riches with players such as Marco Van Ginkel and Lucas Piazon boasting proven quality in the middle of the park.
John McGinn appears to be the primary target for the Bhoys in the engine room. Fresh legs are needed to ease the pressure on Scott Brown. Tom Rogic and Olivier Ntcham are solid options in the middle of the park, especially the latter. However, Jonny Hayes’ injury exposed the lack of depth available to Rodgers in the most important area of his teams. Celtic and Hibernian have been involved in a haggle over the price tag, which could rise to £4m. The 23-year-old has an abundance of talent and could be the driving force in the middle of the park that creates the opportunities for Dembele, Edouard and Scott Sinclair to thrive. The deal needs to be completed before the transfer window slams shut.