Charlie Nicholas has called on Celtic to step up their transfer business this summer, warning that Brendan Rodgers will need reinforcements to handle both domestic challenges and the return of Champions League qualifiers.
The former Celtic striker, speaking ahead of the new season, highlighted the early return to pre-season training as a crucial window for the club to assess their squad and act decisively in the market.
With rival clubs set to strengthen and European football looming, Nicholas believes time is already ticking for the Hoops to get deals over the line.
Having watched Rodgers guide Celtic to a double last season, Nicholas was quick to stress that progress in Europe won’t come without investment. He pointed to the favourable Champions League draw last year, but cautioned that such fortune may not be repeated.
With rumours of potential departures in the squad and limited incoming movement beyond Callum Osmand from Fulham, Nicholas believes at least five new signings are required if Celtic are to compete at the highest level.
He said: (Sky Bet),”Celtic need to get moving in the transfer market.
“The Scottish clubs come back for pre-season a couple of weeks before their English counterparts, due to the European qualifiers.
“They’ve already started this week, but they’ll need to see who goes out the door before they know what kind of budget they’d have. Brendan Rodgers has been through this every summer in his two stints at Celtic, and they’re needing a bit of a rebuild – especially with Rangers getting new ownership and are more likely to pose a real threat to Celtic this season.
“Celtic in Europe had a wonderful draw last season, and I’m not as sure they’ll get as luck this term if they get through. I think they need another five players – certainly another centre-forward, if not two. Daizen Maeda might want out and Reo Hatate might as well.
“There’s a lack of action – they need to start getting people in. We’ve got Callum Osmand joining from Fulham who is going to be a backup, but there’s no sign of any positive movement in the transfer market. I reckon they’ll be six or seven players going out the door, and they’ll need to sign at least five to compete in the Champions League.”
With Brendan Rodgers set to return Lennoxtown over the next week, with the squad already starting preparations for next season. But the lack of confirmed transfer activity has left fans wondering when the club will properly ignite their recruitment drive.
Nicholas’ concern isn’t just about numbers, he also referenced the potential exits of key players such as Maeda and Hatate, both have reportedly attracted interest from abroad. If they depart, that would leave further gaps needing filled in an already stretched squad.
While Osmand’s arrival offers some depth in attack, the 19-year-old is expected to be a longer-term project rather than an immediate starter, with Nicholas’ belief that Celtic require more immediate impact in key areas.
With Champions League qualifiers around the corner, Celtic will need to move fast if they are to maintain their dominance at home and push forward in Europe.
