During his initial tenure at Celtic, Brendan Rodgers humorously remarked that he had a squad full of wingers…
While Rodgers has worked with a decent number of wingers in his second spell, the options out wide for the Hoops have suddenly become rather limited.
With key figure Jota sidelined until 2026, Luis Palma seemingly heading for the exit, and doubts lingering over Yang Hyun-jun’s ability to make a lasting impact, Celtic’s depth on the wings is facing serious uncertainty.
Nicolas Kuhn and Daizen Maeda are currently the key wide options – though Maeda spent a good portion of last season playing centrally, and while James Forrest remains part of the squad, expecting the 34-year-old to handle a full 60-game campaign is a tough proposition. A little and often approach is the most likely plan for Jamesy this season with the Celtic legend making his impact from the bench.
It is little surprise that Rodgers is aiming to bolster his wing options, casting a broad search to find the right reinforcements ahead of the summer transfer window opening.
Rodgers’ men may not have a flood of wingers just yet, but they are actively pursuing several targets – and these are the names currently leading their shortlist.
1.Benjamin Nygren
The Nordsjaelland winger has become one of Denmark’s most sought-after talents following a standout season and eye-catching displays for the Swedish national team. The 23-year-old first made waves as a teenager at IFK Göteborg, but his high-profile transfer to Genk did not quite take off, leading to a couple of seasons spent in the Dutch league. However, Nygren has found his stride once more in Denmark and made an influential impression for Sweden recently, scoring twice in three appearances. With just six months remaining on his contract, Nygren could be snapped up for a modest £2 million – though he is already attracting attention from other clubs. Reports over the past few days seem to indicate playing for Celtic is his preference and an early deal could be arranged early in the summer window.
2. Michel-Ange Balikwisha
The Royal Antwerp forward was pursued last summer before an injury prevented the transfer, yet he still quite clearly features prominently on the Celtic scouting radar. At 24 years-old he brings considerable Belgian league experience from his time at Standard Liège and was a consistent presence for Belgium’s Under-21 national team. Balikwisha is entering the last year of his deal, and although Antwerp may be asking for around £5 million, the Hoops could potentially secure his signature for a lower fee.
3. Sondre Orjasaeter
The Norwegian Under-21 international nearly moved to Celtic in January but decided he was not quite prepared to leave Sarpsborg at that time. However, Celtic remain interested, and many believe the moment may now be ideal for the versatile attacker, capable of playing both wide and centrally. Orjasaeter will not be an easy signing to make, as Celtic’s £4 million offer was rejected in January, with Sarpsborg aiming to secure up to £7 million following his impressive performances this season. More money and more risk might be counter balanced by more ability. That’s a judgement call for Brendan Rodgers and his staff. Remember too that at the end of the January window Brendan Rodgers curiously admitted that he had no knowledge of Celtic bidding for the Sarpsborg winger.
4. Nilson Angulo
Celtic’s recruitment team has been active in Belgium, with the Anderlecht forward emerging as another target on their list. The Ecuadorian international, who celebrates his 22nd birthday this month, has drawn widespread interest across Europe following a standout performance against Brazil last week. Angulo’s speed fits perfectly with the style Rodgers prefers at Celtic, and while he has expressed a wish to remain at Anderlecht and compete for his spot, a transfer could happen if the terms are agreeable. He is believed to be available for approximately £3 million, although the final decision may hinge on offers from other clubs. Maybe a little less likely now given how things are likely to pan out elsewhere.
5. Raul Moro
Celtic have been monitoring the promising Real Valladolid talent for some time, though they face competition from other interested clubs. Moro shone for the La Liga club during a difficult campaign that ended in relegation, and the club hierarchy is now keen to capitalise on his value. The Spain Under-21 standout’s market worth has soared, meaning a fee of at least £8 million would likely be needed for Moro to make the move to Celtic. Nottingham Forest, Bournemouth, and a number of clubs from hare also believed to be vying for his signature. Again this one appears to be a longer shot now as Celtic has plenty of options elsewhere.
Summary
That’s five names for potential wingers coming in during the summer transfer window, you would expect two to sign all going well with the top of our list the most likely and the least name the least likely arrival. Will be interesting to see what happens and also which winger – if any – heads for the exit door at Celtic this summer.
Conor Spence
No teenage wingers anywhere in Scotland? Like in our big shiny academy maybe. Why are we buying youngsters from other clubs to go in our academy ? What is the point of the place.