It will be important for Celtic to strengthen their squad this summer, with three trophies to defend next season as well as Champions League group stage football guaranteed. The club have already brought in Odin Thiago Holm and Marco Tilio. A move for Yang Hyun-jun appears to be close as well while rumours have suggested that the Hoops might have their eyes on marquee signings as well.
On the other hand, it will also be important for the club to part ways with players who do not appear to have a future at Celtic Park. And it looks like Conor Hazard is someone closing in on an exit.
Hazard came through the ranks at Celtic and appeared to have a breakthrough moment when he was the hero in the Scottish Cup final which sealed the Quadruple Treble. But it did not lead to too many more opportunities.
Since then, he has had an impressive loan spell at HJK Helsinki but remained near the bottom of the goalkeeper pecking order at Celtic. And now, Hazard seems to be on the verge of leaving the club for good.
Celtic player set to undergo medical with exit close
As tweeted out by Anthony Joseph, Hazard is due to undergo a medical at Plymouth Argyle tomorrow, ahead of his move from Celtic. It is understood that the transfer fee will be in the region of £150,000.
There is no doubt that Hazard is a very solid goalkeeper. But it has never really worked out for him at Parkhead, despite having some big moments for the Hoops.
Thus, a move away from the club seems like the best step for all parties involved. At 25 years of age, Hazard needs stability and the opportunity to play first-team football on a weekly basis. Unfortunately, that might not be available at Celtic anytime soon.