Heading into the summer, it was clear that Celtic needed a squad rebuild. They had finished 25 points behind the Rangers in the Scottish Premiership table and also trophyless last season. A number of first-team regulars were headed out of the club as well.
And considering the magnitude of the rebuild required, most people would have expected Celtic to rely heavily on free transfers. That did not happen though and the only free agent signing that they made over the summer was that of James McCarthy.
While that was a bit of a surprise, it did make sense considering how long the Hoops had been linked with the Republic of Ireland international. It still remains to be seen though whether it was the right decision or not.
Another Republic of Ireland international that Celtic have been linked with for a long time is Robbie Brady. He is currently a free agent as well, having last played for Burnley. But he is now emerging as a possible signing for Bournemouth. Mike McGrath tweeted out:
Republic of Ireland winger Robbie Brady emerging as a possible signing for Bournemouth as a free agent following his departure from Burnley in the summer #AFCB #Clarets
— Mike McGrath (@mcgrathmike) October 14, 2021
Celtic have been linked with Brady for a long time but he has emerged as a possible Bournemouth signing
Celtic were even linked with a move for Brady earlier in the summer but it did not materialise. Capable of playing as a winger, a midfielder and a left-back, it is not hard to see why the highly-experienced Republic of Ireland international could be a solid addition to this team.
Bournemouth currently sit at the top of the Championship table and completed a move for Ryan Christie on transfer deadline day of the summer.
On the other hand, while Celtic pulled off twelve singings in total over the course of the summer, it is clear that more additions are needed and they would be expected to bring in more players in the January transfer window as well.