We are approaching that time of year where it is impossible to not lift our heads and cast our gaze towards the horizon, looking forward to the season ahead.
We can all agree that this campaign has been nothing short of bliss, an unexpected upturn in both quality and excitement from the relative slog that was last season. Celtic have a good squad, a very good manager and a board that seem to be reinvigorated. However, these factors do not combine to form an immunity against failure. This summer is another fantastic opportunity to enhance the playing staff, cementing the club’s position as the dominant force domestically and, hopefully, enhancing a European reputation that still looks a little rough-shorn.
Celtic are in an awkward position that must be rather unique in football; players that could immediately improve the side are perhaps out of our budget, while it is hard to imagine someone who is affordable being good enough to dislodge what is looking more and more like a terrific team.
Below is a detailed look at the current squad and a few players that, I think, fit perfect in that sweet spot between affordable and talented.
After looking at potential defensive and midfield options earlier this week it’s time to look at our attacking options.
The club are in rude health when it comes to strikers.
Dembele is the best attacker we have seen garbed in Hoops since Henrik Larsson, while Leigh Griffiths is a player capable of plundering goals whenever he is unleashed from the substitutes bench. There have been murmurs that Griffiths could be exiled after his recent touchline spat with the gaffer. Rodgers commands enough respect within the squad to bat-away such an incident without any reproach from his players.
However, it is almost miraculous that Celtic have managed to go through this domestic season undefeated with just two strikers. I think it is imperative that another striker is drafted in if another season like this is to be attain, more so if European football is to be enjoyed after Christmas.
The ideal, of course, is for Jack Aitcheson to continue his progress, develop physically and negate the need for reinforcement, but at just 17 this seems a little premature.
Motherwell’s Louis Moult is a player that has been mentioned fairly regularly. While I think, he has more of the Scott MacDonald about him than he does Chris Killen, it is a signing that would underwhelm. I am also against the move for the fact that I am tired of seeing so many promising young Scots signed just to occupy the bench, which Moult would undoubtedly be asked to do.
My ideal target is the Inter Milan and Argentina penalty-box predator Rodrigo Palacio. Palacio is coming to the end of his contract, but at 35 would be far more susceptible to a reduced role. This is a striker who has played in a World Cup final, he has a fountain of knowledge that he could imbibe upon the impressionable young Dembele, whilst still, clearly being good enough to make an on-field impression.
Quentin Tarantino has built a reputation as a director able to re-forge the failing careers of actors and turn them into bankable stars. He’s done this on countless occasions with John Travolta’s turn in Pulp Fiction the most obvious case. Rodgers has worked similar wonders and, as such, any player he brings to the club, no matter how poor their track record, I feel as though he can mould them into someone who can prove to be a benefit to the club.
It is a hugely exciting time for the club, and I cannot wait to see what direction Rodgers leads us.
BEN DELANEY
