Latest news with #BrendanRodgers'
Glasgow Times
7 hours ago
- Sport
- Glasgow Times
Sutton's Celtic transfer ultimatum ahead of UCL play-off
Brendan Rodgers' team are set to play a two-legged tie at the end of August, which will decide their European fate for the forthcoming season. However, Sutton, a former Celtic player, thinks that his old club should not face the crucial play-off without a complete squad. Sutton said [RecordSport]: "I'm not daft. "I understand how the market works. Read more: "I'm fully aware that Celtic will have targets who, at this stage, might not be unavailable due to their own clubs not having made up their mind, or that agents are playing a waiting game and trying to smoke out the best deals, waiting to see if they can generate as much interest as possible for their client. "Unless Celtic are going to start paying silly money, I'd imagine they may have to wait, perhaps even until the end of the window, for some of the key targets." Sutton also said that the current squad feels incomplete and that Rodgers will want most of his team ready for the start of the domestic season. He believes that the club needs to address several areas of the squad. He said: "Now returned, he's back in that pressure pot and, at this stage, there looks like there's plenty to be done. "Kieran Tierney has signed, but who is the back up with Greg Taylor leaving? "Nygren now in with Ross Doohan, yet the new striker that was wanted in January when Kyogo left will still be wanted. "Other areas of the side to be addressed." He thinks it is important for Celtic to complete as much of their transfer business as soon as possible.
The National
7 hours ago
- Sport
- The National
Sutton's clear Celtic transfer warning ahead of UCL play-off
Brendan Rodgers' men will contest a two-legged tie to determine whether they will make it into the league phase of European football's premier club competition at the end of August. And Sutton believes that his old team shouldn't be negotiating said showdown without a 'full deck of cards'. Read more: "I'm not daft," he said [RecordSport]. "I understand how the market works. "I'm fully aware that Celtic will have targets who, at this stage, might not be unavailable due to their own clubs not having made up their mind, or that agents are playing a waiting game and trying to smoke out the best deals, waiting to see if they can generate as much interest as possible for their client. "Unless Celtic are going to start paying silly money, I'd imagine they may have to wait, perhaps even until the end of the window, for some of the key targets. "But it still feels a little lacking to me at this precise point of proceedings and, at the very least, Rodgers will surely want the majority in his squad for the start of the domestic season. "Rodgers doesn't need me to tell him what it's like to have to deal with these qualifiers without a full deck of cards. He's been there. "Now returned, he's back in that pressure pot and, at this stage, there looks like there's plenty to be done. Kieran Tierney has signed, but who is the back up with Greg Taylor leaving? Nygren now in with Ross Doohan, yet the new striker that was wanted in January when Kyogo left will still be wanted. Other areas of the side to be addressed. "It seems there is much to do and there's too much going on the line for Celtic not to try and get as much of it done as soon as possible."
Daily Record
19 hours ago
- Sport
- Daily Record
Celtic pre-season in pictures as new Bhoy spotted and forgotten man reports back to Lennoxtown
Some of Brendan Rodgers' stars reported back for training on Friday afternoon While families across Scotland are just settling into the summer holidays, it was back to business for Brendan Rodgers and his players as pre-season officially kicked off. The sunloungers have been swapped for running shoes, and the dreaded bleep tests are back as the Scottish champions returned to Lennoxtown on Friday. Most of the first-team squad - minus those still on international duty - were put through their paces, including new goalkeeper Ross Doohan, who was spotted getting stuck in with his new teammates. And it was a busy day all round in the east end of Glasgow, with Celtic also unveiling their latest recruit from FC Nordsjaelland and launching the brand new third kit. We've got all the best pictures as the Hoops get down to work ahead of the new season. Nic of time Ad love a chance Let's Doo it Luke who it is More On Celtic FC Scottish Premiership Scottish Professional Football League Nicolas Kuhn Benjamin Nygren
The National
a day ago
- Sport
- The National
Celtic receive €2m transfer offer for forgotten player
The Swedish defender arrived at Celtic Park just two summers ago during Brendan Rodgers' first season back at the club. However, after featuring in some of his early games, it became clear the Northern Irishman did not favour the centre-back. Injuries prevented him from being able to kick on in Glasgow. But he was subsequently farmed out on loan to FC Twente in 2024. Now, with three years remaining on his contract, Fabrizio Romano reports that Braga have offered just €2m for his services. Read more: The 25-year-old cost the Hoops £3m in 2023, so if a deal was to go through, this would represent a rare financial loss in the market for the Scottish Premiership champions. He wrote on X: "SC Braga have sent an official bid worth €2m for Gustaf Lagerbielke to Celtic, negotiations ongoing. "The player's keen on the move."
Scottish Sun
3 days ago
- Sport
- Scottish Sun
How Brendan Rodgers could transform Celtic line up next season with Nygren and Balikwisha IN and Kuhn OUT
There could be at least four new faces in Brendan Rodgers' starting XI next season NEW-LOOK HOOPS How Brendan Rodgers could transform Celtic line up next season with Nygren and Balikwisha IN and Kuhn OUT CELTIC have set the standard in Scotland in recent years, but Brendan Rodgers says he will keeping an eye on what their rivals Rangers are doing. It's a new era at Ibrox with new American owners, Russell Martin at the helm and a complete overhaul of the squad required. Advertisement 5 Will Kuhn still be at Celtic next season Credit: Kenny Ramsay 5 The Hoops have been linked with Sarpsborg's Sondre Orjasaeter Credit: Alamy 5 Tierney will be back in the green and white next season Credit: PA For Rodgers though the task is simpler after securing a double and being a staggering 17 points clear of their rivals last season. No major surgery to the team is necessarily required, but areas of the squad could do with being strengthened to progress further in Europe and deal with a rejuvenated Rangers. Advertisement With this in mind, we have taken a look at the potential starting XI which could take to the field next season. Goalkeeper: Kasper Schmeichel Goalkeeper Ross Doohan has returned to his boyhood club to replace the outgoing Scott Bain, but he's very unlikely to shift Kasper Schmeichel from between the sticks in the near future. The 38-year-old, who has a year left on his current deal, played 49 games for Celtic last season, and is expected to be the number one again for next season. He will hope to quickly put behind him his costly and uncharacteristic error in the Scottish Cup final against Aberdeen. He has recently said he would relish a return to playing in his native Denmark before he hangs up his boots. Advertisement Doohan and Finnish goalkeeper Viljami Sinisalo will be looking to challenge Schmeichel, but for now the very experienced Dane who has more than 100 caps for his country has the gloves. Right-back: Alistair Johnston The Canada international revealed it took him a while to adjust to the intensity and pressure of playing in Glasgow but he's become a firm favourite at Celtic Park. The 26-year-old has played over 50 games for club and country last season and even featured in Canada's Concacaf victory over El Salvador on Wednesday - receiving an elbow in the face for his troubles. Celtic fans would never let their club die says Hoops hero Peter Grant He's won seven trophies at the club including a domestic treble and has made the full-back position his own. Centre-back: Cameron Carter-Vickers Joined from Spurs initially on loan in 2021 before making the move permanent, the 27-year-old has been a defensive mainstay in Brendan Rodgers' side. Advertisement Made over 40 appearances last season for Celtic and his performances have caught the attention of Premier League new boys Leeds United and Sunderland. He is quick, strong and reads the game well, and there are probably more question marks over who his central defensive partner will be. Arguably one of Celtic's most important players. Centre-back: Auston Trusty Arrived as a £6million signing from Sheffield United last summer but perhaps the 25-year-old American defender hasn't yet hit the heights he would have hoped for in a Celtic jersey. He's certainly shown promise in his first season in Scotland and has the physical attributes to become a very good player. Advertisement But he hasn't fully established himself in the first team with him and Liam Scales vying it out to be the main defensive partner alongside Cameron Carter-Vickers. Both players made over 40 appearances last season if Rodgers wants more physicality and aerial ability, Trusty will likely get the nod. Left-back: Kieran Tierney Has rejoined the club from Arsenal on a five-year deal in what could be the best bit of business Celtic do all summer. He left Celtic six years ago in a £25million transfer to go to Arsenal and has now returned a better, more experienced player on a free. Brendan Rodgers says he will be a massive addition to the squad and is an upgrade in this position, with Greg Taylor looking like he is heading for the exit at Celtic Park, with Greek side PAOK interested. Advertisement Tierney has had his injury problems but if he can stay fit he can be a huge asset with his marauding runs, dangerous crosses, tenacity and aggression. He could also play in the left-centre back role as part of a back three if required. Central midfielder: Callum McGregor The 32-year-old is one of the best players of his generation in Scotland and made over 50 appearances for Celtic last season. He's integral to the success of Brendan Rodgers' side with his range of passing, vision and technical ability. The Hoops skipper has won 10 league titles, six Scottish Cups and eight League Cups and will be looking to add to that tally next season. Advertisement He conceded missing the penalty in the Scottish Cup final against Aberdeen in May was his worst moment in football and he will be desperate to put that behind him next season. Central midfielder/No 10: Benjamin Nygren SunSport understands the 23-year-old is closing in on a deal to join Celtic from Danish outfit Nordsjaelland. It's been an impressive season for the attacker, who can play as a number 10 or out on the wings, as he made his debut for Sweden. 5 Benjamin Nygren scoring for Sweden Credit: Getty It's believed personal terms and a fee has been agreed for the Swede who is out of contract in six months' time. Advertisement Former IFK Gothenburg sporting director Mats Gren told SunSport he's an "intelligent attacker, who can score goals and assist. He also has a good range of passing and vision". Central midfielder: Reo Hatate One of the Japanese success stories for Celtic alongside Shunsuke Nakamura, Kyogo Furuhashi and Daizen Maeda. Arrived from Kawasaki Frontale in 2022 and the type of player to get fans off their seats with his technical ability, vision and flair. The 27-year-old played 55 times for Celtic last season despite missing out on the Scottish Cup final due to a knee injury picked up in a previous game against Aberdeen. Has been linked with a move to Serie A outfit Udinese but Celtic will be determined to keep their star man who is under contract until 2028. Advertisement Attacking right: Michel-Ange Balikwisha We've put him in at right wing, but the £5million-rated Antwerp attacker can operate on both sides and play through the middle. The 24-year-old has good technical ability and speed, but there could be some concerns around injuries - he scored four goals in 16 appearances last season but missed a possible 29 games. With Jota out until the new year and SunSport understands Nicolas Kuhn is edging closer to a move to RB Leipzig in a £15million, long-term target Balikwisha could be the one to help fill that void. Attacking left: Sondre Orjasaeter There's seemingly a lot of excitement around one of the hottest prospects in Norwegian football. Celtic have been linked with Sarpsborg's Sondre Orjasaeter for a while but face competition from a number of clubs to land his signature. Advertisement The 21-year-old hinted he's ready to make the step up with PSV reportedly leading the race to sign the attacker who's valued anywhere between £7million and £11m. He's scored once in nine games in the Eliteserien this season. Striker: Daizen Maeda The star man from last season Daizen Maeda swept the player awards after scoring 33 goals in 51 games for Brendan Rodgers' side. Fenerbahce have reportedly been interested the diminutive Japanese attacker whose blistering pace, intensity, and improved finishing is a nightmare for defenders. Could play through the middle or out on the wings depending on how Rodgers wants to set up his team. Advertisement Maeda more than proved his worth through the middle after Kyogo's departure and has restricted the amount of games that £9.5million forward Adam Idah has played. 5 How Celtic could line up next season - what are your thoughts? Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page
