Celtic are finally looking to bring in their first couple of signings but what is the state of play with their latest dealings? With the anticipation of both domestic and European campaigns, the club has zeroed in on three crucial transfer targets: Kasper Schmeichel, Adam Idah, and Bernardo. Here’s a comprehensive update on these pressing transfer moves.
Kasper Schmeichel
Celtic is on the brink of securing a significant addition to their squad with the imminent arrival of Danish goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel. The former Leicester City stalwart, who boasts an illustrious career including a Premier League title, is set to sign a one-year deal with the Hoops.
Schmeichel is scheduled for a medical, a crucial step before finalising his transfer. The club is eager to expedite the process to ensure Schmeichel joins the team on their pre-season tour in America. [Tipsbladet]
Schmeichel’s wealth of experience will be invaluable for Celtic, particularly after losing Joe Hart. Fans are hopeful that his signing will significantly enhance the squad’s performance in the upcoming season.
Adam Idah
Norwich City’s Adam Idah remains a top target for Celtic. The young Irish striker has been on the club’s radar since the end of his loan spell, but negotiations have proven challenging.
Celtic’s latest bid of £4.5 million was promptly rejected by Norwich, signaling the English club’s reluctance to part with Idah for a modest sum. [MailSport] Norwich is holding out for a more substantial offer that reflects Idah’s potential.
Celtic must decide whether to increase their bid significantly or shift their focus elsewhere. With the new season rapidly approaching, a swift resolution is essential.
Bernardo
Bernardo, who impressed during his loan spell at Celtic last season, appears to be on the verge of making his move permanent. The Portuguese midfielder would like a Celtic reunion this summer.
Negotiations are in the advanced stages, with both clubs working out the finer details of a deal worth approximately £3.5 million. [MailSport] This move represents excellent value for Celtic, considering Bernardo’s consistent performances last season.
While the transfer window is open until the beginning of September, the league starts back in three weeks. Celtic really need to kick into high gear. As the club works to finalise these deals, ensuring the team is well-prepared for what’s coming. We need a strong start, not only in the league but in the league cup which we lost last season due to being knocked out in August by Kilmarnock.
Got to wonder just what Lawwell & Co have been doing all this time besides boasting about how much money they have in the bank – we’ve known all last year that we needed a permanent striker & a second left-back plus, since January, a new keeper yet here we are within weeks of the new season with just rumours & speculation being fed to the press to try to keep the fans happy.
Just hope we don’t end up with the sort of last minute panic buys which Lawwell oversaw when we brought in duds like Ajeti, Barkas etc. 🙄
Why do we overcomplicate these things!?
Our aims should match our needs & our needs are a base squad of:
2×GK
5×CB
4×FB
7×MF
7×STR
…for the 25 man Champions League squad,
including 8 Scots &/or Homegrown players;
4 minimum need to be from our Academy & have been registered with us for 3 years/seasons before turning 21,
which leads me onto Lawal; does he count as an Academy player!?
He was registered as a Celtic player for 3 seasons before turning 21, though spent the last at Fleetwood, and the UEFA rules aren’t exactly clear on the matter?
…there’s something in them about only needing 2/3 seasons at your parent club, but something else about only loans to clubs in your own country, Scotland in this case, count towards your three year total needed?
If Lawal does count as an Academy player for the CL then I’d have him in the squad & I’d have no problem leaving any of the other Academy players out who currently hold these 4 places, except maybe Forrest, feel we’ll get another good season out of him 2024/25