Celtic’s Transfer Priorities Update: News, Rumours and Opinions

As the summer transfer window enters its final days, this piece provides an updated look at Celtic’s current activity in the market, along with some informed opinion on what still needs to be addressed. While a few deals appear to be progressing, other areas remain alarmingly quiet — and with Champions League football on the horizon, there’s little margin left for error.

Below, we break down the positions Celtic still need to strengthen, the players linked, and what the club must get right before the window slams shut.

1. 🛡️ Left-Back Cover for Tierney (and potentially Right-Back Cover)

Kieran Tierney’s return is a welcome boost, but his injury record means his minutes must be managed carefully. What’s changed recently is the growing confidence that Marcelo Saracchi will arrive on loan from Boca Juniors. He offers some level of flexibility too apparently, as some on twitter with experience of watching Argentine football have said he is known to cover both left and right back in the same game when certain players are subbed on or off, helping provide short term cover for injured Alistair Johnston as well. The deal is at an advanced stage, but it comes with no option to buy — a concern, given how short-term this solution is.

The original plan to find a developmental left-back now appears shelved in favour of a stopgap. That may be fine for this season, but longer-term planning is again missing.

2. ⚙️ A Combative Midfielder

Not much has changed here — and that’s the problem.

Despite clear physical and tactical shortcomings in midfield, Celtic have shown no sign of acting. The rumour mill has gone cold, and this key issue is seemingly being deferred until January.

With no new names emerging, it’s a glaring gap in the recruitment strategy. The lack of urgency suggests the club are banking on short-term fixes and internal options — a risky bet, especially in Europe.

This need isn’t going away. Delay it now, and Celtic may pay for it later.

3. 🏃 Two Wingers

This is one area where things are finally starting to move:

• Michel-Ange Balikwisha has agreed personal terms and passed his medical. The deal is close to being finalised.

• Jakob Breum is no longer expected to join, with Celtic ending their pursuit after an initial bid was turned down.

• Calvin Stengs is still being watched, but strong interest from Leicester City and Pisa may complicate matters.

• Sebastian Tounekti (Hammarby) is a new name in the mix. Celtic have had a bid rejected, but retain interest in the dynamic winger. At 23, he offers a blend of pace and end product that fits the club’s profile.

Celtic need at least two wingers before the window closes. Balikwisha looks likely, but others must follow — especially with Jota out and Kuhn having departed.

4. 🎯 Centre Forward

The centre-forward position continues to be the biggest unresolved issue in Celtic’s squad. With Adam Idah being linked with a £5m switch to Swansea, the matter of urgency for a striker doubles and would (hopefully) suggest that a deal is being worked out for at least one centre forward.

• Jamie Vardy is a free agent and has been linked due to his history with Brendan Rodgers. At 38, it’s a short-term move — and one that risks masking the long-term need.

• Kieron Bowie is being linked after Hibs' pursuit of Lyndon Dykes, with suggestions Celtic could swoop in late.

• Louis Munteanu of Cluj has reportedly skipped training and been fined, amid links to Celtic, Valencia, and Olympiakos — one to watch closely.

• David Strelec now looks Middlesbrough-bound, despite Celtic’s past interest. But no deal is done just yet.

This position cannot be ignored again. Relying on Idah (if he stays) or academy talent alone simply isn’t enough. A proven European-level striker is needed urgently.

🔚 Conclusion: Time to Act, Not Hesitate

The blueprint hasn’t changed: Celtic still need to sign a left-back, a physical midfielder, two wingers, and a proven striker.

Some progress is finally being made, with Balikwisha and Saracchi deals advancing. But that still leaves three key positions unresolved, and time is rapidly running out.

The resources are there. The targets are affordable. The stakes — both in Europe and at home — are too high for half-measures. This is the point in the window where decisive clubs get things done.

No more dithering. It’s time to act.

🤔Poll: Where do Celtic need fresh legs the most?

Where do Celtic need to strengthen first?

• Midfield
• Winger
• Centre Forward
• Other! Elaborate in the comments!