Celtic manager Martin O’Neill started his third reign as the club’s head coach in perfect fashion at the weekend, defeating Dundee United 4-0 at Parkhead to keep the pressure on league leaders Hearts.
The 73-year-old boss is determined to ensure Celtic retain their Scottish Premiership crown after a turbulent first half of the campaign, and is hopeful he can add to his squad this month as they look to make up the six-point gap at the top of the table.
AFC Bournemouth right-back Julian Araujo has already arrived on a season-long loan deal, and reports have linked Lorient striker Mohamed Bamba over the weekend, while former hitman Kyogo Furuhashi was also linked with a sensational return last week. However, O’Neill played down talk of the Japanese striker re-signing for the club. There’s been plenty of exit talk at Celtic too, with star players, fringe squad members, and forgotten men all tipped with potential January departures.
With more movement anticipated in the January transfer window, The Scotsman take a look at the 8 players who could depart Celtic this month as the wheels begin to turn in the January transfer window.
1. Shin Yamada - COULD LEAVE
The Japanese striker penned a deal until 2029 when signing in the summer, but has made little to zero impact since his arrival. Sporadic substitute appearances off the bench are unlikely to benefit him, so a loan move could be on the cards if any club shows an interest before the window shuts. | Getty Images Photo: Getty Images
2. Yang Hyun-Jun - COULD LEAVE
Almost left the club on deadline day during the summer window, but remained at Celtic and has put in some strong performances. On target in the club's last two games, the Scottish champions may be inclined to reject any offers forthcoming for the South Korean, but considering how close he came to a departure, a move can't be ruled out in January. | SNS Group Photo: SNS Group
3. Colby Donovan - COULD LEAVE
The teenager defender has been linked with a loan move to Dundee, having previously been tipped to join them in the summer. It remains to be seen if head coach Martin O'Neill would sanction a departure yet, though, with the player featuring regularly for the first-team. | Getty Images Photo: Getty Images
4. Stephen Welsh - COULD LEAVE
Welsh impressed for Motherwell on loan during the first half of the season, but was recalled by the club on Monday. Could Celtic reassess before the window closes, and potentially send him out on loan again if they have enough cover at centre-back come February 2nd? | Getty Images Photo: Getty Images