Brendan Rodgers, the manager of Celtic, is aware that his team’s composition could alter during the summer transfer window.
Citing the obvious, Joe Hart’s retirement from professional football means the Bhoys will have a new number one goalkeeper in 2024–2025.
While Mikey Johnston, Hyeokkyu Kwon, and Bosun Lawal are spending time away from Parkhead after being temporarily farmed out, it is unclear what is in store for these players in the long run. Adam Idah and Paulo Bernardo are loanees.
In either case, it would be expected of Rodgers to make room for new players, raising questions about the approach the Irishman will take to bolster his team.
One issue raised by certain supporters is that in order for Celtic to reach squad quotas for UEFA competitions, they must either develop or acquire domestic talent.
Daniel Kelly’s ascent to senior status has been less difficult since David Turnbull left in January, but Aaron Rodgers acknowledged that Scott Bain might also leave a spot open if he decides to take on a new challenge in the summer [Sky Sports].
Ireland’s Republic Rocco Vata, an Under-21 international, is still without a contract and has been approached by several Italian clubs. In the same vein, even though James McCarthy was trained in Scotland, you wouldn’t count on him playing for the team the next season.
Stephen McGinn believes Celtic might be interested in Connor Barron.
Aberdeen midfielder Connor Barron was brought up on The Go Radio Football Show due to his possible free transfer availability at the end of the season [Transfermarkt], as our senior homegrown alternatives are starting to dwindle a little.
Per the same outlet, the 21-year-old has made 34 appearances for the Dons in all competitions this campaign, registering one goal and two assists.
Pundit Stephen McGinn has shared his belief that although Barron would struggle to break into the Celtic midfield, certain factors would make him an appealing option for Rodgers to consider.
He stated: “He’s a free transfer in the summer, a really talented player. I watched him last week for the (Scotland) Under-21s. I can’t see him getting into the Celtic or Rangers midfield at this time.
“The reason he would appeal to me if I was Celtic or Rangers is the quota for (him) being Scottish. He’s young, a very talented kid, he’s a free transfer, he ticks a lot of boxes, but I just couldn’t see him at this moment of time getting a game for Celtic or Rangers.
He later added: “You look at (Daniel) Kelly at Celtic, Bailey Rice at Rangers; the academy guys will probably feel that they’ve got someone like-for-like that they’d like to push from within their own academy.”
Celtic will evaluate its internal talent pool.
Interestingly, Celtics manager Brendan Rodgers has stated that he would want to see more young players from Lennoxtown advance straight to the first team. This would significantly increase the likelihood that the guys we submit for our European squad are up-and-coming talent rather than fill-ins.
It is another matter entirely whether he would venture into the Scottish market. Looking across the Scottish Premiership, David Watson of Kilmarnock and midfielder Lennon Miller of Motherwell might be the greatest answers to our domestic dilemma.
Barron has additionally demonstrated his abilities at Pittodrie, but we will have to wait and watch if the team chooses to conduct business with them this summer.
