A major rebuild beckons at double winners Celtic this summer.
The Scottish Cup victory over Dunfermline last weekend completed a remarkable recovery under Martin O’Neill in a chaotic campaign.
Time for basking in the glory is limited, though, with a permanent manager yet to be appointed and the squad requiring serious surgery.
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How many players could depart? For starters, goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel’s Celtic days – and possibly his professional career – are over because of a serious shoulder injury.
And loan players Marcelo Saracchi, Julian Araujo, Tomas Cvancara, Benjamin Arthur, Junior Adamu and Joel Mvuka all return to their parent clubs.
Of that sextet, only left-back Sarachhi – a more than able debut for Kieran Tierney – looks a viable option for a permanent deal, although his loan agreement from Boca Juniors did not include an option to buy so Celtic would have to negotiate a move.
Also out of contract are short-term midfield signing Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, who struggled for minutes, and Kelechi Iheanacho. The latter scored nine goals in 24 outings despite fitness issues and, at 29, could still be a useful player to keep around. Might Celtic offer Iheanacho another year?
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Key players also look poised to exit. Japan forward Daizen Maeda, with a year left on his contract, is expected to leave after previously having a move blocked, while compatriot Reo Hatate has dropped out of form and favour, making a departure look likely while Paulo Bernardo also faces an uncertain future.
Fellow midfielder Arne Engels was subject of three bids – the latest reaching £25m – from Nottingham Forest in January and they could renew attempts to land the Belgium international.
Then there’s the, er, deadwood, players still under contract but so far out of the reckoning it appears Celtic would gladly cut their losses. This category includes Michel-Ange Balikwisha – who only arrived last year and has a deal until 2030 – as well as the likes of Maik Nawrocki, Odin Thiago Holm (remember him?) and Shin Yamada.
So the list of departures this summer could easily reach double figures. It should also provide funds and virtually a blank canvas for the new manager – be it O’Neill, Robbie Keane or someone else – to mould a squad as Celtic strive for domestic success and Champions League qualification next term.
[BBC]
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