Celtic will see a summer of change in the months to come, it’s crucial the club get this right.
We’ve researched scout reports, statistics & supporters opinions to compile an XI + coach we should turn to whilst keeping it both realistic & in budget.
Coach – Eddie Howe
The majority of the supports first choice.
Howe has been heavily linked with the job having met with club hierarchy in London last month.
He knows exactly how to get the best out of his players whilst working with a minimal budget.
The perfect fit.
GK – Arnaud Bodart
The 23-year-old has been a diamond in the rough with his Standard Liege side this season.
He’s an out & out shot stopper, he doesn’t lose his concentration & his reflexes are next level.
Gers supporters sang his praises when up against him.
RB – Marcus Holmgren Pedersen
Pedersen everything we’d want in a RB; he’s fast, more than capable in both defence & attack and helped Molde to the Last 16 of the Europa League The twenty-year-old is out of contract next year so we could get him at a snip of his value.
CB – Filip Uremovic
He’s openly stated to be open to the move before.
A Croatian international Uremovic would bring a real physical presence but as captain of Rubin Kazan he’d also bring invaluable leadership qualities.
A partnership with Jullien could prove wonderful.
Speaking last year, the defender told Championat.
“I had the option to move to Celtic this summer, but the transfer did not happen. I don’t look at it as a bad thing because it meant I’m staying at Rubin and I am very happy here,” the 6ft centre-back said.
“But the reason the deal didn’t take place was because they went out and signed another player instead. The main reason I talked to Celtic was because of the attraction of them playing in the Champions League.”
CB – Becir Omeragic
The 19-year-old has already registered 64 appearances in the professional game for Zurich as well as being capped by Switzerland. Celtic wouldn’t only get a great player but the resell value here is incredible & one the club should really consider.
LB – Tymoteusz Puchacz
Like Pedersen, Puchacz is as comfortable going up the pitch as he is at the back & is looking to take the next step in his career.
There are striking similarities both physically & mentally with Tierney.
Bundesliga side Union Berlin are also keen.
CM – Patrick Berg
This man oozes quality & was influential in guiding his Bodo-Glimt side to their first-ever title.
At 23 years old he’s now forced his way into the Norway XI amongst some great competition.
Berg enjoys dictating play & is extremely two-footed, a must buy.
CM – Frank Onyeka
The powerful Nigerian is an enforcer in midfield & would bring much-needed fight to the Celtic midfield.
The 23-year-old’s key attributes are his ball-winning ability, strength, intelligence & launching attacks.
Already has CL experience with Midtjylland.
RW – Liel Abada
A move to Dynamo Kiev collapsed in January & Celtic should capitalise on this. The 19 year old has fourteen goal contributions this season & enjoys driving at his opponents.
Celtic could look to their Israeli connections to make this happen.
CAM – Jesper Lindström
The 21-year-old has been key to bringing his Bröndby side within touching distance of their first title since 2005. Lindström has an insane 18 goal contributions in their 22 matches en route to the top with his creativity & an eye for goal.
LW – Sead Haksabanovic
With Elyounoussi on his way out, this is an area we really need to be reinforced.
Hakšabanović had a terrific season last year in a lacklustre Norrköping side scoring ten times & assisting a further twelve at only twenty-one years old.
A real talent.
ST – Nikolai Frederiksen
The Juventus loanee has transformed his Tirol side from relegation candidates to sixth place.
At just 20 years old his pace, composure, strength & finishing ability has saw him earn a goal contribution every 102 minutes of football, incredible.
In summary:
I strongly believe there are some bargains to be had here.
I’d expect Onyeka, Bodart & Uremovic to be the most expensive here around £5M.
Frederiksen, Abada, Puchacz & Pedersen likely the biggest steals.
Who else would you like to see Celtic bring in this summer?
Reading your appraisals of them, they all seem quite interesting. I wonder how many new signings we will get and how they gel