Celtic’s Transfer Priorities: What Must Be Done Before the Window Closes

Celtic’s 0–0 draw with Kairat served as a stark reminder that the squad is not ready for Champions League football. Some of the issues on show weren’t surprises; they were the same ones supporters have been talking about since January. Worse, several potential solutions have already slipped through our fingers.

Mathias Kvistgaarden, long linked with a move to Celtic, has instead gone to Norwich for £7m (potentially rising to £11m). That’s a fee well within our range, and for a player who could have filled a glaring need. Likewise, Sondre Øjrasaeter joined Twente for around £4.5m — another affordable move that we have seemingly stood still on while rivals acted decisively. These deals highlight a wider frustration: Celtic appear reactive rather than proactive in the market, waiting until problems are exposed rather than addressing them early.

So what now? With time running out, here are the areas Celtic must address.

1. Left-Back Cover for Tierney (and potentially Alistair Johnston replacement if long term injury)

Kieran Tierney’s return is a huge boost, but his injury record means we can’t expect him to play every match. The squad needs a developmental left-back who can provide reliable cover and allow his workload to be managed.

• Flávio Nazinho (Cercle Brugge) has been linked and fits the mould.

• Tyrell Malacia (Manchester United) would be an ambitious signing, but his wages look prohibitive.

• Keita Kosugi has been monitored, but interest from Newcastle and Bayer Leverkusen may have scared Celtic off.

• Callum Styles (West Brom) remains an intriguing option. Valued at around €2.5m, his attacking style could provide balance and allow KT’s game time to be sensibly managed.

This is an area where Celtic need to act fast — not least because relying on a centre-half to fill in at full-back, as we saw against Kairat, simply isn’t acceptable at this level.

Add to this a potential replacement for Alistair Johnston if his injury from last night is long term. Scotland international Max Johnston would be available for around £3-4m and would fit home grown quotas as well.

2. A Combative Midfielder

The middle of the park remains too lightweight in European competition and in tougher domestic fixtures. Celtic need a midfielder who adds physicality and bite.

• Stefan Bajcetic (Liverpool) could be available on loan with an option to buy. His development has stalled, but he has clear quality.

• Mahamadou Diawara (Lyon) offers height, presence, and is available for around €2m.

• Andy Irving (West Ham) is the most recent name linked. The Hammers are holding out for £3.5m, but his work rate and homegrown status could make him a smart addition for both squad balance and UEFA registration rules.

A player of this profile has been missing for years — it can’t be ignored again.

3. Two Wingers

With Jota sidelined long term and Kuhn gone, Celtic are short of genuine wide threats. At least two additions are required, one ideally right-sided and another versatile option.

• Mikel-Ange Balikwisha (Antwerp) appears close to signing and would add creativity and pace.

• Jakub Breum (Go Ahead Eagles) is a serious target, though his club want £6m.

• Calvin Stengs (Feyenoord) enjoyed an excellent 2023/24 season before losing his place; a gamble, but with clear upside.

• Nilson Angulo (Anderlecht) is raw but affordable at €2m, with flashes of promise last season.

Celtic cannot afford another season of blunt, one-paced wing play. Investment here is critical.

4. Centre Forward

This is the position that has screamed out for reinforcement since Kyogo left in January. Adam Idah has struggled, Johnny Kenny is unproven beyond domestic level, and asking youngsters Callum Osmand and Shin Yamada to lead the line in Europe is simply unrealistic.

• David Sterlec (Slovan Bratislava) looks the standout option. With 25 goals in 48 appearances last season, he’d cost around €8m.

• Jamie Vardy is a free agent and has been linked. His goals would be welcome, but at 38 it’s a stopgap solution that pushes the long-term problem down the road.

• Kieron Bowie (Hibs) is a promising young Scot. While another year in Leith may suit his development, he’s exactly the type of player Celtic should keep on the radar as a future squad option.

This position cannot be ignored again. A proven striker is an absolute necessity if Celtic are to have any chance in Europe this season.

Conclusion: Time to Act, Not Hesitate

The transfer requirements are clear: a left-back, a physical midfielder, two wingers, and a proven striker. Some of these deals could — and should — have been completed already. Instead, Celtic are once again scrambling late in the window, playing catch-up while rivals strengthen decisively.

Failing to act now will not only cost Celtic in Europe, it will also risk derailing domestic momentum. With cash reserves strong and affordable targets identified, there are no excuses left. If the board are serious about progress, they must back the manager properly — not with words, but with signings.