I’m now at the stage where I’m mentally prepared to negotiate with the Celtic Board to downgrade my own transfer expectations and settle for less than I reckon we need…
Michael Nicholson, Chief Executive of Celtic FC looks on from the stands prior to the Premiership match between Celtic FC and St Mirren FC at Celtic Park on May 17, 2025. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)
I’m sure most of you would agree that we need two wingers and also a replacement for Kyogo. However I am now ready to concede ground by telling the Celtic Board (in my own mind at least) that I am prepared to settle for two quality wide men and moving Daizen Media through the middle.
For me at least that would suffice, and I would actually be delighted if they also announced that Daizen has been rewarded for his amazing contribution in the Hoops by signing a bumper new contract.
Daizen Maeda of Celtic scores his team’s opening goal during the Premier Sports League Cup match between Celtic and Falkirk at Celtic Park on August 15, 2025. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)
Celtic have been linked with yet more players in the past week as the search for much needed new blood intensifies, with the clock slowly ticking down until the slamming shut of the transfer window.
The majority of the players rumoured to be of interest are wide players such is our desparate need to add some goal threat to our squad. Names such as Mali winger Oumar Traore, the more familiar sounding Michel–Ange Balikwisha, and a new name in the shape of Calvin Stengs of Feyenoord. The first seems entirely unlikely, the second is reportedly NOT happening and the third is a not even a proper rumour in my opinion. The report even admits that the club has not even spoken to Feyenoord about a deal. Of the three I’d take Stengs all day long.
Feyenoord’s new forward Calvin Stengs poses during his presentation at Feyenoord De Kuip stadium in Rotterdam, on July 28, 2023, ahead of the 2023-2024 Dutch Eredivisie football league. (Photo by WILLEM VERNES/ANP/AFP via Getty Images)
I’d like to think that the Celtic Board has a list of potential targets due to the sale of Nicolas Kuhn, and long term injury to Jota which has left us bare to the bones in the final third.
A prolific centre forward would also be ideal, but two wingers should be the bare minimum as we have Daizen Maeda who is proven to be more than capable through the middle, with the likes of Adam Idah, Shin Yamada, and Callum Osmand in reserve.
Clyde v Celtic B team KDM Evolution Trophy 12/08/2025. Callum Osmand of Celtic FC during the KDM Evolution Trophy match between Clyde and Celtic B team at New Douglas Park, Hamilton, on 12 August 2025. Photo Colin Poultney PSI
The goals that Daizen provided last season, strikes that were pivotal in our double success, more than prove his worth as the main striker. Bring in two quality wide men and our forward line will look all that much better if Daizen signs on the dotted line.
Maybe another week will pass and by that time I’ll relent further and settle for one winger and a promise not to sell Daizen immediately after they spend £1.5m on his replacement. Ever decreasing expectations CSC signing off…
Just an Ordinary Bhoy
CELTIC IN THE EIGHTIES BY DAVID POTTER, FOREWORD BY DANNY McGRAIN is published by Celtic Star Books on the fifth day of September. You can pre-order now to guarantee your copy which will be signed by Danny McGrain, with just a limited number of signed copies still available, although they are selling very quickly.
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Celtic in the Eighties by David Potter. Foreword by Danny McGrain. Published on Celtic Star Books on 5 September 2025. Click on image to pre-order.
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