Celtic's ambitious January transfer window plans are heating up! The club is aggressively pursuing new talent, aiming to bolster their squad and climb back to the top of the Scottish Premiership. But who are they targeting, and what challenges lie ahead? Let's dive in.
This news comes from James Beavis, a Senior Editor at GIVEMESPORT, with over a decade of experience in online football media. Having graduated with a Sports Journalism degree back in 2012, he's been deeply involved in the industry, including a stint at Shoot Magazine and now at GIVEMESPORT since 2020. He's built strong connections with top-tier journalists, providing exclusive content primarily focused on the Premier League.
Celtic's interim manager, Martin O'Neill, made it clear earlier this month: the club is ready to spend big before the transfer deadline on February 2nd. However, with the mid-season window nearly halfway through, the only addition so far has been Julian Araujo on loan from Bournemouth.
And this is where the plot thickens...
Celtic's primary focus is on signing Union Berlin striker Andrej Ilic, according to TEAMtalk. This is a bold move, as Ilic is also attracting attention from Premier League side Burnley. He recently joined Union Berlin permanently from Lille last summer, giving the Bundesliga outfit a strong negotiating position. Ilic boasts an impressive record of 72 goals in 192 career appearances. However, the Serbian international's estimated £9 million price tag presents a significant financial hurdle for Celtic. His physical attributes are seen as a good fit for Scottish football.
But that's not all...
Celtic is also eyeing a new goalkeeper. With Kasper Schmeichel's performances under scrutiny and his contract expiring in the summer, they're considering a move for Manchester City's Stefan Ortega. The 33-year-old German keeper has found himself as Pep Guardiola's third or fourth-choice option this season. His contract at the Etihad also expires at the end of the season. A loan switch to Celtic Park could be on the cards, allowing the club to assess his long-term suitability.
What about other potential signings?
After a deal for Jocelin Ta Bi stalled due to medical issues, Celtic is now in talks to sign Uruguayan winger Ignacio Laquintana. The 26-year-old plays for Red Bull Bragantino and could join on loan with an option to buy. Laquintana is reportedly keen on the move, which would see him link up with compatriot Marcelo Saracchi.
The pressure is on the Celtic board. O'Neill wants new faces, and the clock is ticking.
What do you think? Will these signings be enough to propel Celtic back to the top? Do you agree with the club's transfer strategy? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
