Celtic Target January Strengthening in Key Areas
Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers has set his sights on bolstering his squad in the upcoming January transfer window, with a particular focus on adding depth in two key positions: a left-sided winger and an additional striker. This comes as the Hoops look to build on an impressive start to the 2024-25 season, where they currently lead the Scottish Premiership after 12 matches.
With an enviable financial cushion of £77 million in their accounts, Celtic are well-positioned to make strategic acquisitions in the winter market. Rodgers is keen to add reinforcements to an attack that has already shown great promise, with Kyogo Furuhashi and Adam Idah in fine form. However, the Celtic boss acknowledges the need for additional cover up front, particularly for the dynamic duo leading the line.
Rodgers has previously expressed a preference for bringing in a younger forward to provide competition and support for Furuhashi and Idah. The search for a striker is a top priority, as Celtic look to maintain their challenge across multiple fronts. The club has made no secret of their ambition to go further in European competition this season, with a strong push to reach the Champions League round of 16 still very much alive.
On the left flank, while Daizen Maeda has impressed with his consistent performances, Rodgers is keen to add another winger to his ranks. James Forrest has been a reliable backup, but with Luis Palma struggling to make a significant impact since his arrival, it’s possible the Honduran winger could be sold in January to make way for a fresh face. This would not only help reinforce the attacking depth but also provide greater flexibility in Rodgers’ tactical setup.
Celtic’s domestic form remains strong, and with the upcoming Scottish League Cup final against Rangers on December 15, the club’s ambitions extend well beyond the Premiership. Rodgers will be eager to ensure that his squad is equipped for a grueling second half of the season, both in terms of league challenges and European aspirations.
While the Premiership title race continues to heat up, with Aberdeen emerging as potential challengers, Celtic’s focus will also be on achieving their Champions League goals. Currently sitting three points off the automatic qualification spots for the last 16, Celtic will need to secure vital results in their remaining fixtures to ensure they progress into the knockout stages of Europe’s premier club competition.
As Rodgers looks ahead to the winter transfer window, the hope is that he can add two quality players to his squad who can help Celtic challenge on all fronts in the second half of the season. With the club’s financial backing, their ambitions are clear: to continue their domestic dominance while making a serious push for European glory.