Talks with Michel‑Ange Balikwisha are also ongoing, with Brendan Rodgers keen to add fresh options out wide. It’s clear the Hoops want to strengthen wide areas after, Jota’s long‑term layoff.
Rodgers hinted in April that signing a top‑quality winger would likely be more achievable than landing a top‑class striker.
His comments have seemingly defined the club’s transfer approach, especially with Jota ruled out long‑term and Kyogo gone. With those key attackers unavailable, the focus has shifted squarely toward bringing in creative wingers.
Rodgers said: (Celtic TV), “I think he (Daizen Maeda) can be (the main striker).
“I think it’s one where if we were to move him back on to the side and take him out of the middle, with all due respect it’s probably easier for us to bring in a top winger than it would be a top striker.
“But he can clearly play the position and I am so happy that he can.”
Jota’s long-term injury has made it even more important for Celtic to bring in new wide players.
A lot of the attacking burden has landed on Daizen Maeda. Rodgers wants to keep using Maeda through the middle, so the focus has turned to adding quality on the wings instead of looking for a new striker.
Callum Osmond will bring depth up top and will look to challenge Maeda and Adam Idah, but he won’t be expected to start week in, week out.
Bringing in players like Nygren and possibly Balikwisha would take some of that weight off Maeda. They’d offer new options out wide and give the team more energy going forward. Their arrival would also give Rodgers more choices and cover in those areas.
The approach shows Celtic are aiming to build a more flexible and lively front line. With a busier season ahead, both at home and in Europe, that added depth will be key.
If these signings get over the line, Celtic will head into the new campaign with Maeda leading the line and a quicker, more dangerous attack behind him.
