Celtic’s work in the transfer market is beginning to hot up in recent weeks, with Brendan Rodgers’ promise to “freshen up” his squad beginning to come to the fore.
The return of Scotland international Kieran Tierney was sealed last month, while ex-Celtic academy product Ross Doohan also arrived on a free transfer from Aberdeen. The arrival of £1.2million ‘bargain’ Benjamin Nygren from FC Nordsjælland saw the champions open up the cheque book for the first time this summer - though it is not expected to be the last time they dip into the pot. Youngster Callum Osmand has also arrived following the expiry of his contract at Fulham.
Elsewhere, links to Royal Antwerp winger Michel-Ange Balikwisha continue to rumble on, while Celtic continue to look for strikers as they aim to add to their striking options. Cameron Carter-Vickers was linked with a £20million move to Sunderland earlier in the window, though these rumours have died down, but Nicolas Kuhn looks set to depart Parkhead this month after reports claimed Celtic had agreed a fee of £16.5million with Italian side Como.
With so the rumours continuing to float around, Celtic’s squad could have a completely new look when the season gets underway on August 3 against St Mirren.
Here, The Scotsman consider how Celtic’s dream starting XI would look if the latest rumours are true - though, that can never be guaranteed, as we know!
1. GK: Kasper Schmeichel
Had a fairly solid debut campaign at Celtic, lifting two trophies as the club dominated domestically again. The goalkeeper spot is his to lose. Will face competition from Viljami Sinisalo and Ross Doohan next year for his role though. | SNS Group Photo: SNS Group
2. RB: Alistair Johnston
One of the club's most important players, the Canadian was the best performing right-back in the division last season and starts whenever he is fit. | Getty Images Photo: Getty Images
3. LB: Kieran Tierney
Re-joined his boyhood club on a free transfer last month following his release from Arsenal. With Greg Taylor now having left Celtic, Tierney is clearly the number one choice at left-back for Brendan Rodgers. | SNS Group Photo: SNS Group
4. CB: Cameron Carter-Vickers
Linked to Sunderland and Leeds United this summer, speculation around the American has died down in recent weeks and Celtic will be hoping he begins the season in a green-and-white hooped jersey. | SNS Group Photo: SNS Group