Celtic are reportedly planning to strengthen their squad during the January transfer window, focusing on a left-sided winger and a young third striker.
According to Mail Plus journalist Stephen McGowan, Brendan Rodgers is eager to utilise some of the club’s considerable financial resources to address these specific needs, as the Hoops aim to maintain domestic dominance and improve their European prospects.
Daizen Maeda is currently the undisputed first-choice option on the left wing, with James Forrest providing backup. Luis Palma has struggled to make an impact and is often absent from matchday squads. Rodgers is reportedly looking for an alternative to complement Maeda, adding depth and competition in a position crucial to Celtic’s attacking area.
Upfront, Kyogo Furuhashi and Adam Idah are doing well, with Maeda occasionally stepping in as a central option. However, the absence of a third-choice striker has left a gap in the squad. Although Rodgers previously downplayed the need for an additional forward, the January transfer window presents an opportunity to address this issue. Bringing in a younger striker would not only provide immediate cover but also offer long-term developmental potential.
Regardless of their domestic finish this season, Celtic will face Champions League qualifiers in August. Strengthening the squad in January will give players time to bed in and get used to Celtic, and give them the chance to start next season as Kuhn has started this.
It makes you wonder if Celtic will move for a left-back, if Greg Taylor does have his heart set on leaving.
Here’s an idea. Instead of buying a young striker, why not promote young Cummings to see what he has?
There’s a lot of football to be played between now and the January window.
If ever there was a chance to show that there is a pathway for our youth to the first team, this is it.
I’m not suggesting he starts games, but he should be getting substantial minutes on the park, especially at home.
Until we sort out the return of a reserve league or have colts teams in the lower divisions we should be using the league cup to blood some players like Cummings, see if they’ve got it or not.