Sport Nation 2The summer transfer window has officially closed, but Celtic still has a number of players whose futures remain uncertain. Under manager Brendan Rodgers, the club has undergone significant changes, leaving some players surplus to requirements. Despite efforts to trim the squad and create a balanced team with two options for each position, several players find themselves out of favor or without a clear role. Here, we look at five Celtic stars who could still be on their way out, even after the transfer deadline.
1. Maik Nawrocki: A Defender Out in the Cold
Polish defender Maik Nawrocki is perhaps the most notable player facing an uncertain future. The arrival of Auston Trusty from Sheffield United has pushed Nawrocki further down the pecking order. Nawrocki, who hasn’t featured in any matchday squads this season, is now the fifth-choice centre-back behind Cameron Carter-Vickers, Liam Scales, Stephen Welsh, and Trusty. His lack of playing time indicates that he is not part of Brendan Rodgers’ plans for the season. However, an exit for Nawrocki may still be possible. Transfer windows in several European countries, including Poland, remain open for a few more days, offering him a potential route out of Celtic Park. With the Polish window open until September 6, Nawrocki could still secure a move back to his homeland.
2. Liam Shaw: A Midfield Future in Doubt
Liam Shaw’s future at Celtic also appears bleak. The midfielder spent the previous season on loan at Wigan Athletic, and with just one year remaining on his current contract, Shaw is unlikely to revive his Celtic career. The club is reportedly open to letting him leave for free if he can find a new club willing to take him on. Shaw has struggled to make an impact since joining Celtic and now finds himself further down the pecking order following the arrival of new midfield options. The departure of Shaw could be mutually beneficial, allowing him to find more playing time elsewhere and freeing up space in Celtic’s squad.
3. James McCarthy: High Earnings, Low Impact
Veteran midfielder James McCarthy is another player whose time at Celtic appears to be coming to an end. Despite his experience, McCarthy has struggled to secure a regular place in the team and is seen as surplus to requirements. With his high wages, finding a club willing to match his salary could be challenging. However, McCarthy may still have options, as transfer windows in countries like Belgium, Switzerland, and Greece remain open for a few more days. A move to one of these leagues could provide McCarthy with an opportunity to see out his career with regular playing time.
4. Yang Hyeon-jun: A Struggling Winger
South Korean winger Yang Hyeon-jun has found it difficult to break into the first team under Brendan Rodgers. Competing with established players like Nicolas Kuhn, Daizen Maeda, James Forrest, and Luis Palma, Yang has struggled to secure a place in the starting lineup. While Celtic may prefer to loan him out rather than sell, finding a suitable destination could be challenging. If no move materializes, Yang might remain at Celtic as a squad player until the January transfer window opens, when more options may become available. His future at the club remains uncertain, and his development could be better served by securing regular playing time elsewhere.
5. Adam Montgomery: Injury-Hit and Uncertain
Academy product Adam Montgomery is another player whose future at Celtic is in doubt. The left-back had his contract extended recently but has seen his development stall due to injury. A loan move to Motherwell last season was cut short by a serious injury, and finding regular playing time has proven difficult. With Greg Taylor firmly established as the first-choice left-back and the arrival of Alex Valle providing further competition, Montgomery’s opportunities are likely to be limited. While a domestic loan seemed a likely option, the closure of the Premiership transfer window complicates matters. Lower league clubs can still make loan signings until the end of September, but Celtic may have higher ambitions for Montgomery’s development, possibly seeking a loan move abroad.
The Impact of Recent Transfers
The uncertainty surrounding these players highlights the impact of Celtic’s recent transfer activities. Brendan Rodgers has sought to create a balanced squad with depth in every position. The late arrivals of players like Auston Trusty and Alex Valle have strengthened the team but have also pushed some existing squad members to the fringes. Celtic’s strategy of ensuring two strong options for each position has left players like Nawrocki, Shaw, McCarthy, Yang, and Montgomery with limited opportunities.
Conclusion
While the primary transfer window may have closed, the future of several Celtic players remains unresolved. The club will be looking for opportunities to offload those who are not in Brendan Rodgers’ plans, either through transfers to leagues where the window remains open or through loan deals. The coming days will be crucial for these players as they seek to secure moves that will provide them with the chance to play regular football and advance their careers. For Celtic, finding solutions for these players will help streamline the squad and ensure that only those who can contribute to the club’s ambitions remain at Parkhead.
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