Brendan Rodgers, following Celtic’s recent triumph, is now calling for a “much stronger” lineup for next season.
So with a possible busy summer, who should be in and who should be out?
Departures: Who’s Out?
For the upcoming season, Celtic faces significant challenges due to key player departures and injuries. In the first half of 2023, the team lost important players like Giorgios Giakoumakis, Josip Juranovic, Aaron Mooy, and Jota, with Liel Abada barely featuring under manager Brendan Rodgers before also moving on. Lengthy injuries to crucial players such as Cameron Carter-Vickers and Reo Hatate further strained the squad’s depth.
Out of the nine players brought in last summer, only Luis Palma, Yang Hyun-jun, and loan player Paulo Bernardo have made significant contributions, each hitting double figures in terms of starts. Rodgers has expressed his preference for adding more quality over quantity to the squad, hinting at his dissatisfaction with the current team’s strength.
Looking ahead to the summer transfer window, Rodgers emphasized the need for squad improvement. He stated, “We have to improve the squad. That’s pretty clear. But I’m really excited about that moving forward into a real, bright future with this club.”
Arrivals: Who’s In?
Goalkeepers
Celtic’s goalkeeping squad for the next season is led by the experienced Joe Hart, known for his leadership and skill. Supporting him are Scott Bain and promising young talents such as Joe Morrison, Kai McLean, Aidan Rice, Jamie Meikle, and Marcus Gill, who represent the future of Celtic’s goalkeeping prowess.
Defenders
The defense lineup is comprised of a mix of seasoned players and emerging talent, offering both stability and potential for growth. Alistair Johnston, known for his robust defensive skills and versatility, can play as both a right-back and centre-back, providing flexibility in various defensive setups. Greg Taylor, an experienced left-back, brings consistent performances and solid defensive coverage along the flanks, often contributing to the attack with his overlapping runs.
Gustaf Lagerbielke, a towering centre-back, excels in aerial duels and adds a commanding presence in the heart of the defense. Liam Scales, versatile and reliable, can operate as a centre-back or left-back, offering tactical flexibility and strong ball-playing abilities from the back.
Complementing these established players are promising young Scottish defenders like Magnus MacKenzie and Dane Murray. MacKenzie, a rising star, is known for his composure on the ball and defensive acumen, showing great potential for future development. Dane Murray, already making strides in the senior team, is lauded for his maturity and defensive skills at a young age, indicating a bright future ahead.
Midfielders
Key midfield players include Luis Palma, Kyogo Furuhashi, and Callum McGregor. Young talents like Rocco Vata and Bruno Davidson add depth to the midfield. The forward line boasts David Turnbull, Hyeongyu Oh, and Daizen Maeda, supported by younger players such as Joey Dawson and Mikey Johnston, enhancing the team’s attack.
What can fans expect?
Brendan Rodgers faces an uphill battle as he looks to fortify Celtic’s lineup for the upcoming season. Despite the adversities marked by key player departures and injuries, the odds of him assembling a stronger squad are favourable. With only a handful of last summer’s signings making notable impacts, Rodgers is eager to prioritize quality over quantity in his recruitment strategy.
As the transfer window approaches, the football betting odds are likely to fluctuate, reflecting the uncertainty surrounding Celtic’s potential signings and their impact on the team’s performance. However, with a mix of experienced veterans and promising young talents across all positions, Rodgers has a solid foundation to build upon for future success. Fans and bettors alike will be eagerly watching to see how the manager navigates the transfer market and shapes Celtic’s roster for the challenges ahead.
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