The summer transfer window is getting ready to open and Celtic are expected to be one of the busiest clubs in Scotland over the coming months.

After securing a dramatic league and cup double under Martin O’Neill, attention has quickly turned towards a summer that could reshape the squad ahead of crucial Champions League qualifiers.

Several key players continue to attract interest, while recruitment plans are already being put in place behind the scenes.

Transfer Window Dates

The Scottish summer transfer window will officially open on June 15.

For Scottish clubs, the deadline falls at 5pm on September 3.

Across England, the Premier League window closes slightly earlier at 11pm on September 1, creating an interesting dynamic as clubs south of the border look to conclude business before Scottish sides are forced to stop trading.

Who Could Leave?

There is every chance Celtic’s squad will look significantly different by the end of the window.

Daizen Maeda is widely expected to attract serious bids after finishing the season in sensational form, scoring nine goals and registering two assists during his final seven appearances. He was close to an exit last summer.

Arne Engels remains a target for several Premier League clubs, with Nottingham Forest, Fulham and Sunderland all linked.

Meanwhile, Benjamin Nygren could also become a major transfer story if he impresses at the World Cup following his 21-goal campaign.

Reo Hatate has told the club he’d like to leave, while Paulo Bernardo is struggling for minutes.

Stephen Welsh and Luis Palma have already left, and Hayato Inamura is also out of the door.

Some deadwood in the squad could also be offloaded.

What Positions Are Celtic Looking At?

CeltsAreHere understands Celtic have identified several priority areas.

Goalkeeper

Following the retirement of Kasper Schmeichel, Celtic are actively exploring the goalkeeper market.

Viljami Sinisalo performed admirably during the title run-in and Scottish Cup success, but the club want experienced competition.

Jari De Busser is one player heavily linked, with reports suggesting he is keen on a move to Glasgow.

Left-Back

The future of Marcelo Saracchi remains unresolved.

As things stand, the Uruguayan is returning to Boca Juniors after his loan spell, with no agreement currently in place to keep him permanently.

That means Celtic are expected to recruit a deputy for Kieran Tierney.

Striker

This may be the biggest priority of all.

Tomáš Čvančara is leaving after his loan spell, while Maeda’s future remains uncertain.

Even if the Japanese forward stays, Celtic are expected to add another striker to compete alongside Callum Osmand, Johnny Kenny and potentially Kelechi Iheanacho if his contract option is activated.

Centre-Back

A central defender is firmly on the shopping list.

CeltsAreHere previously revealed George Campbell of West Bromwich Albion as a legitimate target.

With Stephen Welsh departing and uncertainty around other defensive options, reinforcement looks inevitable.

Midfield

Celtic are believed to be searching for two different profiles in midfield.

That makes sense given the uncertainty surrounding Engels, Nygren and Paulo Bernardo.

One player not expected to arrive is Oskar Wójcik despite previous links.

A Defining Window

It’s going to be a challenge for Celtic this summer, but they need to show that they’ve learned from mistakes in previous windows.

Martin O’Neill delivered the double with largely the same group he inherited, but he will need better depth and more quality if Celtic are to avoid another chaotic title race and make progress in Europe.

The manager situation finally appears close to resolution.

The focus now shifts to recruitment.

And after last summer’s mistakes and January’s underwhelming additions, Celtic simply cannot afford another transfer window that leaves supporters questioning whether enough has been done.