Celtic will be preparing for the new season ahead and the upcoming summer transfer window is going to play a huge part in how things pan out.
There was a lot of noise around recruitment last summer, and as the games went by, it’s fair to say that, at times, the noise coming from the fans and the media wasn’t pleasant.
But Brendan Rodgers still did his job, despite some worries along the way, and Celtic deservedly put two more trophies in their cabinet.
One of the areas Celtic will target this summer will be the striker department and bringing in some much-needed goals.
Adam Idah enjoyed a fruitful six-month loan spell at the club, but as of this moment in time, he has returned to Championship side, Norwich City.
Then there is Kyogo Furuhashi. A hero at Parkhead, but he produced his worst goalscoring season since being in Glasgow when he netted 19 in all competitions compared to 34 in the previous campaign.
There has been some talk about Kyogo’s future at Celtic, but whether he stays or goes, another face will still need to enter the building.
A familiar face has been touted to make a return to Celtic colours and that’s out-of-favour Crystal Palace star, Odsonne Edouard.
The 26-year-old won four league titles during his time at the club and was a very popular player before his transfer to Selhurst Park in 2021.
Whilst some fans get excited at the possibility of something happening here, Andy Walker was quick to shut it all down, as he told Go Radio.
Walker thinks Edouard will cost too much in transfer fees to bring back and the wages will also be an issue for the champions.
Will Odsonne Edouard return to Celtic?
“I think they will pursue someone like him, maybe not Odsonne Edouard himself,” said Walker. “He will be on a salary I think Celtic wouldn’t be able to get near to.
“I think they need to identify someone like that. I think Celtic will make a bit of a splash this summer. I think the manager has shown what he is capable of. He came through a difficult period – Celtic have got the money to spend. I don’t think it would be Odsonne Edouard himself. I wouldn’t be surprised if Celtic have got a big-name lined up, alongside maybe two or three others to come in this summer.
“He was on big bucks at Celtic. Maybe one of the best-paid players, but he would have, at least, doubled that at Palace. Easily get that in London (£60-70k-a-week). For Celtic to try and go there, I just think it’s out of their reach.
Celtic’s goals next season
If Idah doesn’t re-sign, then Celtic will miss on a player who scored some very important goals for the team and then there is Matt O’Riley.
He was Celtic’s best player and if he leaves, then it’s not just the creative side of the game that Rodgers will miss, but also his 19 goals.
It then puts serious pressure on Kyogo and he hasn’t exactly had a season that is to be shouted about, even though he also scored important goals against Rangers.
That’s why it’s paramount that the next striker through the door is proven or someone who has tasted success at a club like Celtic before.
