Celtic underwent a major overhaul in the previous summer transfer window as they signed twelve players overall, ten on a permanent basis and two on loan, while key players like Scott Brown, Ryan Christie, Kris Ajer and Odsonne Edouard headed out of the exit door. Thus, it was a period of change. Comparatively, this summer should be much more relaxed.
The squad is much more settled now and the club appear to be headed towards a double, something that not many could have predicted coming into the season. But that does not mean that there is no place for improvement.
One area that Celtic might need to delve into this summer is the free agent market, especially if the club are able to win the Premiership and book their spot in next season’s Champions League group stage as a result.
One very interesting name that looks set to become a free agent this summer is Andriy Yarmolenko. After four underwhelming years at West Ham United, it is unlikely that he will be handed a contract extension. That could be an opportunity for Celtic to swoop in though.
Celtic should consider move for Yarmolenko
Eyebrows might be raised at the suggestion of a move for Yarmolenko. He is 32 years of age and has not been great for a while. But, at the same time, one cannot ignore his qualities.
The winger was absolutely spectacular during his time at Dynamo Kyiv. According to stats from Transfermarkt, he scored 137 goals and provided 90 assists in 340 appearances for the club. He was not bad at Borussia Dortmund either, scoring 6 goals and providing 6 assists in 26 appearances for them. For West Ham United, he has scored 13 goals and provided 7 assists in 83 appearances but has played just 3297 minutes of football in total.
Yarmolenko has played his best football for the Ukraine national team though and is one of the best players in their history.
Of course, there could be quite a bit of risk involved in such a move. Celtic signed two Premier League veterans last summer. The move for Joe Hart worked out spectacularly while the one for James McCarthy has not at all.
But a short-term deal for a player who has captained his national team and has quite a bit of Champions League experience might not be a bad idea for Celtic, especially on a free transfer.