‘Celtic make Yang decision with Jakob Breum deal hinging on one key factor’
Celtic are stepping up their transfer activity following their narrow opening day victory over St Mirren exposed their attacking flaws.
The Hoops only just edged out the Saints thanks to a late Luke McCowan goal, which deflected past the stretching Jamal George.
Brendan Rodgers’ side started the campaign with three points, but the chances created and ruthlessness in-front of goal was a concern for supporters.
Celtic fans, and Rodgers, share the ambition of challenging again in the knock out stages of the Champions League after their journey to the knock out rounds of the competition last season to go alongside their domestic success.
Champions League key for Celtic transfer business
This season though Celtic will have to navigate a play-off round before they can compete in the Champions League league stage.
Either FC Kairat Almaty or Slovan Bratislava await in that play-off fixture and the result could impact transfer activity.
As exclusively revealed by Football Insider, Celtic are lining up a fourth bid for winger Jakob Breum, but any deal for the 21-year-old lays on the Hoops’ involvement in the league stage of the Champions League.
Breum signing will also give Rodgers the green light to accept offers for Yang, who was the subject of interest from Norwich City earlier in the window, also wanting to explore a move away, as per Anthony Joseph [July 13].
Rodgers requires further forward options
Football Insider Verdict
It is clear from the St Mirren performance that Celtic require more impetus, creativity and quality in attack.
On the right flank, Yang failed to make an impact with reliance again on Daizen Maeda to provide the main attacking threat down the flanks.
Yang would not be getting in the Celtic side if Jota was not ruled out by injury and Rodgers cannot rely on 34-year-old James Forrest to play every week.
If Celtic want to compete in the Champions League again then signing a winger of Breum’s quality is essential.
| Appearances | 31 |
| Goals | 11 |
| Assists | 6 |
Breum contributed goals and assists for Go Ahead Eagles in the Eredivise last season, something Rodgers currently needs more of in his squad.
Rodgers needs a goal scorer to support and provide competition for Adam Idah and Maeda with Johnny Kenny and new signing Shin Yamada yet to prove themselves in the Scottish Premiership.
Either way, an improved performance is expected when Celtic travel to Aberdeen next in the league.