With James Forrest out for the foreseeable future, here are three wingers that Celtic should try to sign in the January transfer window.
With the news that James Forrest’s ankle injury that was originally set to sideline him through just December now may keep him out until as late as February, Celtic will likely be looking to find a replacement in the January transfer window.
After capturing a 3-2 victory over Lille to end their Europa League campaign and a 2-0 victory over Kilmarnock on Sunday, fans can hope that Neil Lennon’s side have turned their fortunes around. In the meantime, it’s no secret that the side have struggled this year with inconsistency and subpar performances at times.
With Forrest sidelined since October and now not likely to return until February, Lennon should be looking to sign a replacement early in January to provide squad depth and cover in his absence.
Rumours have already begun to swirl about one potentially high-profile defensive target for the transfer window, but it’s well assumed that the side will also pursue a winger.
The Daily Record worked out six potential candidates, but we’ve whittled them down to three we feel could make an immediate and long-term impact if brought to Glasgow:
Gyrano Kerk
The speedy 25-year-old Dutch winger for Eredivisie side FC Utrecht was rumored last season to be a potential summer target for the Hoops, but nothing came of it. He has the potential to become a star with Celtic, especially if Neil Lennon were to use his 4-3-3 formation allowing his speed and ability to work himself behind defenders to flourish.
Having been with Utrecht since 2014, he’s spent one season on loan in 2016 with Helmond Sport, scoring 33 goals in 136 appearances for Utrecht.
He has struggled this season for tenth-placed side, having not scored a goal for the side since the end of October. However, there is no doubt about his ability, with 10 goals and 7 assists in 24 league matches last season.
With the Hoops having already apparently missed out on him once, it would come as no shock to see the side pursue him once again next month. He would provide some much needed squad depth as well as be a prospect for the club’s future, with Forrest turning 30 this summer, while Kerk only turned 25 earlier this month.