Everything Celtic has listed ten players available on pre-contracts who could possibly do a job for Celtic. With the Wantaways playing down their last few months in Celtic jerseys before heading to pastures new, there is bound to be a major re-building job at the club in the summer. Given that the recruitment turned out to be so disappointing last summer and also appreciating that money is likely to be tight after a very disappointing season on the park and a huge drop in revenue due to the lack of supporters at matches.
That Champions League qualifier defeat to Ferencvaros was particularly sore given the financial climate that the club knew was ahead. Yet Celtic went into this financially secure – unlike others – so you must wonder how it’s going to pan out for the clubs across the board. Let them worry about that, we have enough on our plate worrying about Celtic!
Nick Hammond has perhaps been focused too much on the English transfer market so the fact that there are plenty of available options playing in mainland Europe might be of some assistance to Celtic’s Head of Football Operations!
So here are the ten suggestions from Everything Celtic, who you can find on Facebook and on Twitter @aboutceltic...
“Ten Players available on pre-contracts…We’ve an enormous rebuild coming & with that comes a lot of transfer fees. Let’s take a look at ten players Celtic could sign on a pre-contract right now”…
1. Dejan Ljubicic – CM
A leader on the pitch Ljubicic is the captain of title chasing Rapid Wien in Austria. The 23 year old has been linked with us in the past & a leader like him is exactly what the club are looking for. After six years at the club he may want a new challenge.
2. Folarin Balogun – ST
The 19 year old has found opportunities hard to come by at Arsenal having made just five appearances this season. Balogun scored has three goal contributions in these matches and has shined for their U23 team. I’d love us to sign him up.
3. Felix Passlack – RB
Celtic really need to strengthen in the right-back area and Germany U21 international Passlack would be a welcome addition. The Dortmund defender has made eleven appearances this season however hasn’t been involved since the turn of the year.
4. Melayro Bogarde – CB
The Netherlands U19 defender has already featured nine times this season for Bundesliga side Hoffenheim, very impressive for an 18 year old. The centre-back could look at his role model Van Dijk path to becoming the best CB on earth with this move.
5. Marco Grüll – LW
Grüll plays for Ried in Austria who are struggling this season however the Austrian U21 international himself is flourishing. Nine goal contributions from sixteen matches with the relegation candidates is very impressive, he’d be an absolute steal.
6. Toni Domgjoni – CM
At the heart of Swiss high-flyers Zurich you’ll find Swiss U21 international Toni Domgjoni. Domgjoni has featured 19 times already this season and has helped Zurich to battle it out for second place with Basel. He’d be a welcome addition to the side.
7. Rui Silva – GK
It’s no secret Celtic are struggling in the goalkeeping department Rui Silva could be the answer. Silva plays for La Liga side Granada and in his 20 appearances this season has helped his side to eighth in the table ahead of Valencia, Bilbao and Getafe.
8. Omar Richards – LB
Another area Celtic need some help is left-back. After Tierney left we’ve struggled to find a regular in that position. 22 year old Richards has featured twenty-three times for Reading this season helping them to just 3 points off automatic promotion.
9. Bart Nieuwkoop – RB
The 24 year old Feyenoord defender started the season as their outright right-back but has since lost his starting berth. An impressive player Nieuwkoop seems set on leaving the club and Celtic could be the perfect opportunity for him to kick start.
10. Juninho Bacuna – CM
An impressive season in the Championship has saw Bacuna grab five goal contributions from his 24 matches. The 23 year old joined from Groningen in 2016 and with his contract just months left on it Bacuna looks set to move on.
So are there any players you’d like to add to this list as potential realistic signing targets for Celtic this summer? Add your comment below or send an email with your suggestions to editor@thecelticstar.co.uk