“Good News for Celtic Fans” – 3 top international players once linked to Celtic whose Contract will expire next summer; then, Celtic can submit offer for them “AGAIN”.

Three International Players Once Linked to Celtic Who Are Out of Contract Next Summer

As the football transfer window closes, the conversation about potential future signings never ceases, especially for a club like Celtic. With the January transfer window on the horizon and several high-profile players nearing the end of their contracts, it’s an opportune time to explore the market for free agents. This article looks at three international players, all previously linked with Celtic, who will be out of contract next summer and could be viable options for Brendan Rodgers’ side.

1. Eric Dier – Bayern Munich

Eric Dier, the versatile English defender and midfielder, was first linked with a move to Celtic in August 2023. At that time, he was on the fringes of Tottenham Hotspur under the management of former Celtic boss, Ange Postecoglou. Once a key player for Spurs, Dier quickly found himself out of favor, dropping to fifth in the defensive pecking order as Postecoglou reshaped the squad to his liking.

Despite being sidelined at Spurs, Dier received an unexpected opportunity when Bayern Munich signed him on a six-month loan, later making the deal permanent for a year after he met the required appearance threshold. Dier made 20 appearances for Bayern last season, providing solid defensive performances. However, this season he has featured sparingly, only appearing once in three matches.

With his contract expiring next summer, the question arises: could Eric Dier be a viable option for Celtic? The 49-time capped England international offers experience and versatility, having played as both a central defender and a defensive midfielder throughout his career. At 31, he still has plenty to offer, but any potential move to Celtic would depend heavily on his salary demands and whether he would be open to relocating to Scotland at this stage in his career. If Dier is looking for a new challenge and regular first-team football, Celtic could present an attractive option, particularly with Champions League football as a potential lure.

2. Andriy Lunin – Real Madrid

Andriy Lunin, the Ukrainian goalkeeper, has been linked with Celtic ever since Joe Hart announced his retirement earlier this year. Lunin, who has long been seen as a promising talent, first caught Celtic’s eye in October 2023 when he found himself out of favor at Real Madrid, stuck behind the world-class Thibaut Courtois.

Lunin’s fortunes briefly turned when Courtois suffered a long-term injury, thrusting Lunin into the starting role for Real Madrid. His performances were impressive, helping the Spanish giants reach the Champions League final. However, once Courtois regained fitness, Lunin was relegated back to the bench and did not get the chance to feature in the final against Borussia Dortmund. Despite his solid performances, Lunin has not played a single minute for Real Madrid this season, and with his contract set to expire next summer, the 25-year-old is likely to seek regular first-team football elsewhere.

For Celtic, Lunin could be an excellent long-term replacement for Hart. At just 25 years old, Lunin has many years ahead of him, and his experience playing at one of the biggest clubs in the world would bring valuable expertise to Celtic’s squad. The main question surrounding Lunin is whether he would be willing to make the move to Scotland and if Celtic could compete with other European clubs likely to be interested in his services. However, the promise of regular football and the chance to compete in the Champions League might be enough to convince him.

3. Bright Osayi-Samuel – Fenerbahce

Bright Osayi-Samuel, the Nigerian international, has been a consistent performer for Fenerbahce since joining the Turkish side from Queens Park Rangers in 2020. He was first linked with Celtic shortly before his move to Turkey, but at the time, he opted for the Super Lig side, where he has since made 144 appearances across four seasons.

Osayi-Samuel is a versatile player, predominantly used as a right-back but also capable of playing as a defensive midfielder, winger, and even a centre-forward. His flexibility could be a major asset for Celtic, especially given Brendan Rodgers’ fondness for players who can fill multiple roles on the pitch. Despite his versatility and consistent performances, Osayi-Samuel’s trophy haul has been limited during his time in Turkey, with his most notable achievement being the Turkish Cup victory in 2023.

Currently, Osayi-Samuel is recovering from a muscle injury, which also saw him withdraw from Nigeria’s international squad during the recent break. As he nears the final year of his contract, speculation is rife about his future. At 26 years old, Osayi-Samuel is entering his prime, and the possibility of winning more silverware, combined with a chance to play in the Champions League, could tempt him to consider a move to Celtic next summer.

Celtic could offer Osayi-Samuel a new challenge, with the allure of competing for domestic titles and European football each season. His ability to play in multiple positions would make him a valuable addition to Rodgers’ squad, providing cover across several areas of the pitch.

Potential Signings for Celtic

Each of these three players brings something different to the table, and all have qualities that could benefit Celtic as they aim to maintain domestic dominance and push further in Europe. Eric Dier offers experience and leadership in defense, qualities that could strengthen Celtic’s backline. Andriy Lunin, as a goalkeeper with potential and top-level experience, could solve a future problem for Celtic, particularly with Joe Hart now retired. Lastly, Bright Osayi-Samuel provides versatility and attacking threat from the back, as well as depth in key positions.

The challenge for Celtic will be attracting these players, as they may have other suitors in Europe. Salary demands and competition from other clubs will play a significant role in determining whether Celtic can secure any of these targets. However, the club’s ability to offer Champions League football, combined with a rich history of success and a dedicated fanbase, will undoubtedly be attractive selling points.

As Brendan Rodgers continues to build his squad, exploring the free-agent market could prove to be a shrewd move. The ability to bring in players without paying hefty transfer fees allows clubs to invest more in salaries and other areas of development, a strategy that could serve Celtic well as they look to strengthen their team ahead of the next season.

Conclusion

With contracts expiring for Eric Dier, Andriy Lunin, and Bright Osayi-Samuel next summer, Celtic could find themselves in a strong position to secure the services of one or more of these players. All three have been linked to the Scottish champions in the past, and their impending free-agent status opens the door for a potential move. If Celtic can make a compelling case and offer the right terms, they may be able to add valuable experience and depth to their squad as they aim for continued success both domestically and in Europe.