Three Celtic players fighting for their futures ahead of January
Celtic are lining up a seismic January transfer window for Wilfried Nancy as several stars could be on their way out to fund necessary moves.
Although Nancy’s Celtic tenure got off to a poor start in a 2-1 defeat to Hearts on 7 December, the club will still be looking forward to the upcoming transfer window.
Sources told Football Insider that Celtic are set to raid the MLS in January, given the Frenchman’s knowledge of the league.
Likely arrivals could signal the end of a few players’ playing days at Celtic Park, as Football Insider picks out those who have to prove to the new boss that they must stay at the club.
Kasper Schmeichel
Sources told Football Insider that Celtic are working on signing a new goalkeeper amid their concerns with Kasper Schmeichel.
The ex-Leicester City shot stopper has endured a tricky season in Glasgow and could be heading on his way out come next summer when his contract expires.
To avoid that reality, provided a deal cannot be struck to extend his stay at the club, the Dane may be sold in January to recoup some money to reinvest in the squad.
Given Schmeichel will want to maintain his rhythm of regular minutes ahead of the 2026 World Cup, an exit may be too much of a risk to take midway through the season to ensure he doesn’t jeopardise his spot with Denmark if they do qualify.
Anthony Ralston
The Scotsman was benched in Nancy‘s first game in charge against Hearts, suggesting he may not be in the new manager’s plans.
Anthony Ralston embodies the classic right-back, preferring to do his defensive duties rather than bomb down the wing to support in attack.
That weakness to his game in the Frenchman’s wing-back system could spell the end for the 27-year-old who could be shipped on in January instead.
The number 56 will need to work tirelessly in training to prove to Nancy that he is versatile enough to play as wing-back, or risk being offloaded in the coming weeks.
James Forrest
Having been a one-club man in Glasgow, it could be time for James Forrest to say goodbye to his boyhood team.
The 34-year-old progressed from the Celtic academy and enjoyed many successful campaigns in Scotland, but with his contract expiring at the end of the season, it looks likely he will leave soon.
Similar to Schmeichel, the Hoops may consider offloading Forrest in January to bag some kind of fee for his services rather than letting him go on a free transfer next summer.
Contrastingly, for the Scotsman, he will be fighting for not only not to be sold in the upcoming transfer window, but also for a new deal in what is a vital period for the winger in the coming weeks.