3 free agents Celtic should try to sign in the summer

Mario Mandžukić

This player is a real star, and while free of contract, any realism here will depend on how he feels about playing football and what sort of wage he is looking for. But with no transfer fee there are ways to strike a deal on wages. Sadly, he may only come into play as an option if Celtic lose Odsonne Edouard, an eventuality no one wants, but for which a contingency needs to be in place.

Mandžukić has a superb track record, second top scorer ever for the Croatian national team and plenty of goals for Juventus, Atletico Madrid, Bayern amongst others shows his pedigree. Though even then some will ask if he can still do it on a cold night in Dundee! He could.

He’s a strong uncompromising, skillful player who can definitely lead a line.  He’d bring height and aerial strength to both attack and defence. He’s versatile across the pitch in several positions and would link up well with Celtic’s other stars.

Aged 34 he brings experience which would prove invaluable in a ten-in-a-row season. He left Juventus to join Quatar’s Al-Duhail making his debut in January 2020,  which suggests a well paid deal. But he and the club terminated his contract there mutually in July. Maybe a seasoned warrior like Mandžukić needs a greater and more exciting challenge than counting zeros on a pay slip. Maybe that’s what we could offer if Edouard became unavailable. A class striker to meet the opportunities the team will create.