Most of the talk surrounding Celtic in recent weeks has been regarding the managerial situation. Brendan Rodgers resigned in the middle of the campaign, leaving the Hoops without a manager. Martin O'Neill and Shaun Maloney were brought in to take interim charge but a permanent boss is expected to be appointed very soon. Wilfried Nancy of Columbus Crew has emerged as the favourite to get the job, news that has divided the opinion of the fanbase.
Just bringing in a new manager will not be enough for Celtic to turn things around. They need to strengthen their squad over the January transfer window after failing to do so in the summer.
There are several positions across the pitch where they are light on options. But it has been suggested that the club could prioritise two of those in the January transfer window.
As reported by Football Insider, Celtic will look to prioritise signing a striker and a centre-back in January. Pete O'Rourke said regarding the club's plans for the winter window:
"If you look at their squad, probably the priority will be to bring in centre-back cover following [Cameron] Carter-Vickers’ serious injury.
“Also, probably reinforcements up front. They didn’t really bring in enough strikers in the summer window, having brought in [Kelechi] Iheanacho on a free and then now [Callum] Osmand out with a serious hamstring injury as well.
“So, they’re a bit short, probably, in those two areas of the team. So I’d imagine they’re the two priorities."
Two signings Celtic want to make this January named
Celtic do need to strengthen up top and in the heart of defence. At this point, Johnny Kenny is their first-choice number 9. Credit where it is due, he has scored consistently under the management of O'Neill. It will be interesting to see whether he holds on to his place in the team if or when a permanent manager arrives.
Even if he does, it is very clear that Celtic need more options up top. Signing another striker is necessary.
On the other hand, the centre-back position is a bit of a worry as well. Cameron Carter-Vickers has suffered a long-term injury and will be out for several months. That leaves them with only two genuine options in that area, clearly not enough.