Following a year of key departures, with Matt O’Riley leaving last August, Kyogo departing in January, and Nicolas Kühn moving on in recent weeks, former Celtic defender Charlie Mulgrew has identified where he believes Brendan Rodgers must still strengthen the squad.
Mulgrew focused on three areas: striker, centre-back and, crucially, the wings. He argued that while Celtic have spent significantly in some departments, there’s still a clear need for quality and end product in wide areas.
The striker position remains under scrutiny. Celtic splashed out £9 million on Adam Idah after his successful loan spell, but Mulgrew warned that last season didn’t show the return fans had hoped for. While there’s hope Idah will come good with a full pre-season, Mulgrew doubts the board will sanction another big-money forward until that question is answered.
In defence, Mulgrew acknowledged the recent £6 million signing of Auston Trusty. A natural left-sided centre-half, Trusty fills a difficult role to recruit for. But Mulgrew doesn’t expect another sizeable outlay in that area, especially with funds already committed.
Instead, he sees the wings as the real problem area. With Kühn already out the door after failing to settle, and no consistent threat from wide last season, Celtic lack the sort of winger that has long been synonymous with the club’s attacking style.
Mulgrew believes that bringing in a wide player who can beat a man, assist, and score could make the biggest difference to Rodgers’ side.
He said: (Go Radio Football Show), “I think a striker is needed, but the problem I see with getting one is £9 million was spent on Idah last year. And the jury’s still out on that one. He had a great loan spell when he came in, but last season didn’t go the way he wanted. Hopefully this season, with a full pre-season under his belt, he shows he’s worth it.
“But I don’t think the Celtic board are going to turn around and say, “Here’s another £9 million, go and get somebody else,” when they’ve just signed someone for that amount. I’m only guessing, of course.
“A centre-back? Aye, I think one’s needed. But Trusty’s already come in for £6 million. A left-sided centre-half, which aren’t easy to find. That’s a big spend. So I can’t see them throwing another £6, £7, £8 million at the same position. Still a gamble, by the way.
“What I do think Celtic really need is another winger. Over the last 10 years, wingers have played a massive part in what Celtic are. Speed, assists, goals. And I think Brendan Rodgers would love a winger who contributes goals, who can finish. That’s a big area we can definitely improve.”
With three key attacking players moving on over the past year, Celtic look short of a spark in the final third. Mulgrew’s comments back up the view that adding a winger should be high on the list before the window closes.
There’s still time to sort it, but unless Celtic bring in a proper wide threat, they could be left without the kind of player who’s made the difference in tight games during recent title runs.
