Celtic are entering a crucial summer as Brendan Rodgers looks to build a squad that can continue their dominance of the Scottish Premiership and reach the knockout stages of next season’s UEFA Champions League.
Scotland’s dominant force over the last four seasons, the Hoops won a domestic double yet again last season, while they also enjoyed their best European campaign in over a decade, narrowly losing to German giants Bayern Munich in the last 16 playoffs.
Head coach Rodgers has already admitted he’d like to freshen up his squad, and the bargain £1.2million arrival of Benjamin Nygren from FC Nordsjælland on Friday, coupled with the signings of Scotland internationals Kieran Tierney and Ross Doohan, are the boss first sign of intent - though more are expected to follow.
Cameron Carter-Vickers and Nicolas Kuhn have been both linked with exits this season, however, with the latter reported to be a £15million target for former club RB Leipzig. Can they they keep their duo at the club this summer? And what would Celtic’s strongest starting XI look like if they can keep them at Parkhead?
This is what The Scotsman feel is Celtic’s current strongest XI ahead of their season opener against St Mirren on August 3.
9. RW: Nicolas Kuhn
The German had a breath-taking first-half of the 2024/25 campaign, before his form faltered slightly. Strongly linked with a move away from Celtic this summer, the signing of Swedish international Benjamin Nygren may negate any potential sale. That said, at the time of writing, Kuhn remains Celtic's most efficient option on the right wing. | SNS Group Photo: SNS Group
10. LW: Daizen Maeda
Celtic's best player proved he can provide goals playing through the middle as a central striker, as well as his more natural left-wing position. Had it not been for Jota's ACL injury, there's an argument to say Maeda is Celtic's best option in the number nine role. However, the Portuguese winger's injury means Maeda will likely move back into his recognised role on the left of a front three. | Getty Images Photo: Getty Images
11. CF: Adam Idah
Bagged 18 goals in all competitions last season after his £9.5million move from Norwich City. Links to the likes of Mathias Kvistgaarden do put Idah's starting XI spot in doubt, but he is Celtic's best option up top based on the current squad and player availability. | SNS Group Photo: SNS Group