Celtic are chasing a move for a long-term target this summer as they look to bolster their ranks ahead of the new Scottish Premiership campaign, it has been reported.
Celtic focus on permanent moves for loanees
Following their victories in the Scottish League and Cup (both over fierce rivals Rangers), Brendan Rodgers’ team has had a peaceful summer. Veteran custodian Kasper Schmeichel, who signed a one-year contract after leaving Belgian team Anderlecht, has taken Joe Hart’s spot in retirement.
“Celtic is one of the world’s proper football clubs, a massive name and a place of real passion and success.” He stated on the club’s website.
Viljami Sinisalo, a 22-year-old backup custodian who is coming from Aston Villa, has also been announced as a player. However, the main emphasis has been on attempting to arrange long-term transfers for their productive loanees from the previous campaign.
Striker Adam Idah was a priority for Rodgers at the end of the season after he scored nine times on loan from Norwich, but a deal is looking increasingly difficult to pull off.
Last week, in an interview with the media, Johannes Hoff Thorup, the new manager of Norwich, expressed his desire for Idah to stay at Carrow Road.
He is an essential member of the team and squad here, as we have stated since day one. Fortunately, or perhaps sadly, we have players who are being pursued by other teams. However, that’s something we should always aim towards since it matters to us.”
“But Adam is a nice man with good enthusiasm who is working hard in his training. He’s doing incredibly well. And I hope it’s clear to him and to everyone else that he will be an important member of our team.”
However, they are more successful with Paulo Bernardo, a fellow loanee; rumours from Scotland indicate that a deal is “all but certain completed,” in a transaction that would cost Celtic slightly less than £3.4 million to bring the 21-year-old to Celtic Park.
He may not be the only midfield arrival, though.
Celtic set to resume long chase
Sport Witness has reported that Celtic is still interested in midfielder Jakub Kaluzinski, according to reports from Turkey. As to the report, the young Polish midfielder was anxious to sign with the Hoops while he was at Lechia Gdansk. However, he finalised his move to Antalyaspor in Turkey last summer.
After a year, it is said that Celtic are still interested in him, and there is no indication that he is unreachable even though his contract expires in 2026. Conversely, it is suggested that a deal might be reached for as little as €4 million (£3.3 million), while Rayo Vallodolid of Spain is also rumoured to be interested in signing him.
Given the numerous areas of need in the Hoops team, it is unclear if a move for the 21-year-old star will be given priority, but it is definitely something to watch in the lead-up to the upcoming season.
