Celtic have been actively working behind the scenes to secure new signings during the January transfer window.
Manager Brendan Rodgers is optimistic about strengthening the squad and is particularly focused on bolstering the attack. He has targeted two wingers and is also considering bringing in a new striker.
One potential target, Raul Moro, was recently ruled out after suffering an injury while playing for Real Valladolid, ending any possibility of a move this month.
Other names being linked to the club include Michel-Ange Balikwisha, along with strikers Mohamed Bayo and Mathias Kvistgaarden. The latter was scouted in person back in November.
Rodgers is hopeful that Celtic will complete some deals this window and is even considering the potential return of Kieran Tierney.
When asked about the progress of transfer plans, Rodgers expressed confidence:
“Yes, I would hope so, yes,” said Rodgers.
“There’s been lots of work going on for a number of months, but as you can imagine, it’s never as simple when you actually then get to the point of getting the player that you want, because there’s various reasons why his club would want to maybe keep them.
“But I’m fairly confident by the end, we can add that extra freshness and competition to the squad.”
Celtic are also juggling their campaign in the revamped Champions League League Phase, where they are set to face Young Boys and Aston Villa.
Rodgers is determined to guide the team into the knockout playoff stage this year. However, he acknowledges that the competition has complicated transfer negotiations, with some clubs reluctant to part with players mid-season.
Speaking about the Champions League’s impact on transfers, Rodgers explained:
“Yes, I think it does,” he added.
“I think with the extra added games, and obviously remembering as well, if you sign players that can’t play in the Champions League, so you’re then working with the players that you have currently within your squad.
“And thankfully for us, touch wood, we don’t have the injuries that maybe if another team has lots of injuries, then even more so why they would want to keep players back.
“So, you just have to be patient. You’d always want to have a player in the very first day, but if it can’t be the case, then somewhere along the January period, we would hope to get them in then.”
As the window progresses, Rodgers remains determined to add depth and quality to the team while navigating the challenges posed by the mid-season market.
