Celtic working on deals to sign defender and goalkeeper – sources
Celtic are desperate to add a centre-back and new first-choice goalkeeper in the upcoming summer window, sources have told Football Insider.
The Hoops have not been prolific in the transfer market since the return of Brendan Rodgers to Parkhead last summer (2023).
It is believed a partner for star man Cameron Carter-Vickers and a replacement for retiring goalkeeper Joe Hart will be the priorities for Celtic in the off-season.
A well-placed source has told Football Insider that manager Rodgers feels these two signings will be “key” to continued competitiveness in the Scottish Premiership and Champions League.
The club have already laid the groundwork for the deals.
The Hoops are locked in an enthralling title race with rivals Rangers this term and could be forced to enter the Champions League qualifying stages next term if they finish as runners-up.
Celtic boss Rodgers plots two ‘key’ signings this summer amid Rangers claim
They signed the likes of Maik Nawrocki, Luis Palma and Nicolas Kuhn in the 2023-24 campaign but they are yet to make a big impression at Parkhead.
Joe Hart announced his intention to retire at the end of this season in February – sparking the search for a new number-one keeper at Celtic.
The former Man City star has made 41 appearances across all competitions this season, missing just one game and keeping 14 clean sheets.
Meanwhile, centre-back has been an issue for Rodgers’ side – who squandered a seven-point lead at the top to allow Rangers back into the title race.
Summer signings Nawrocki and Gustaf Lagerbielke have played sparingly, with Liam Scales and Stephen Welsh instead getting the nod from Rodgers.
But the Celtic boss is planning to rectify the situation this summer by adding a marquee new defender to his squad.
The Hoops sit top of the Scottish Premiership by one point but have played a game more than Rangers.
They bowed out at the group stage of the Champions League with just four points, having conceded 15 goals in six games.
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