Charlie Mulgrew believes Celtic need at least five or six players capable of making a proper impact this summer as Martin O’Neill prepares for a major rebuild.
The champions are due back at Lennoxtown on Friday, minus those still involved at the World Cup, but there has still been no rush of new arrivals through the door.
O’Neill has plenty to sort. Celtic need clarity around his backroom staff, decisions on players out of contract, and movement in the transfer market before the Champions League qualifiers come into view.
Mulgrew, speaking on behalf of BoyleSports, believes the squad needs serious work across several areas.
He said: “I mean there’s no doubt about it, for a few seasons now there’s been a striker needed. Daizen Maeda stepped up at the end of the season, but we need a striker.
“Celtic need to bring a striker in, two, maybe three. Because in the actual squad, I don’t know if Kelechi Iheanacho has triggered his contract or his extension yet. That’ll be something I would be looking to keep and then bring another couple.”
That is the biggest issue for Celtic. Iheanacho’s future remains unclear, Tomas Cvancara has returned to Borussia Monchengladbach, and Maeda continues to be spoken about in transfer terms.
O’Neill cannot afford to start the serious part of the season short of goals. A new striker already felt necessary, but Mulgrew believes Celtic may need more than one.
He added: “I think that’s what Martin’s main thing would be. Obviously some wingers, I mean you could go through it, there’s a lot of positions needed. The left-back is away. You need somebody to replace that.
“The good thing is Cameron Carter-Vickers is back, he’ll be back for next season.
“Hopefully we can keep Alistair Johnston because he’s a huge player. But I don’t think there’s any position, maybe right back, we don’t really need a player.
“I think we can strengthen in all positions, the goalkeeper area as well. There’s at least five or six players that need to come in to really impact the squad.”
That line will resonate with supporters who have watched another slow start to a transfer window. Celtic have areas to strengthen all over the pitch, and the squad is already dealing with uncertainty around key players.
Left-back remains one to watch, with Kieran Tierney still away with Scotland and Marcelo Saracchi linked with a possible return. In goal, Viljami Sinisalo ended last season as number one, but Celtic may still want stronger depth or competition.
Out wide, there are also questions. Jota’s fitness needs managed, Maeda’s future is uncertain, and Celtic need more players who can change games rather than simply fill the squad.
Mulgrew’s message was clear. Celtic need to move with purpose.
He said: “There’s a lot that needs done itself. They need to really get moving with all that stuff, but as we know, it doesn’t happen overnight.”
That is the balance Celtic now face. Good transfer work takes time, but O’Neill does not have much of it. Pre-season is starting, qualifiers are ahead, and the squad still looks short in too many areas.
Mulgrew is not calling for numbers for the sake of it. His point is that Celtic need players who can come in and affect the team quickly. That is the level this window has to reach.
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