A handful of targets for the Celtic boss to consider this summer.

Celtic transfer window speculations continue, and if the Celtic board backs Brendan Rodgers in his choices this summer—well, we’ll see.

Let me go back to the moment when Celtic, or the Celtic board, decided to sell our most precious striker, Kyogo, to Stade Rennais for £10 million.

That was a shock for some Celtic fans, although others saw it as a brilliant opportunity for him to move on and for us to get a large sum for a player whose value be in decline.

But it was hard not to agree with those who think that there is a tendency with this Celtic board is to sell a player of tremendous calibre, with no replacement lined up, and show a complete lack of respect for the manager’s demands.

So here’s the big question—what will happen in the Hoops squad this summer? Will we Celtic fans see our beloved club stronger next season, chasing another title with that same hunger, right to the final breath?

Brendan Rodgers insists changes are needed at Celtic this summer. He’s said he wants “to boost the hunger levels at Parkhead” and has accused the Celtic Bhoys of being too comfortable in games recently, lacking that fighting spirit and mentality.

Before yesterday we had lost three out of six league games in the Premiership, with another title and treble looming just ahead. The gaffer knows full well that if we kick on, another treble is within reach—but he admits the club needs a refresh. Not in the dugout, but in the squad. As he said:

“It’s all about improvement. I think naturally what you have at our club is a natural slide of players that move out and come in every three or four years. It’s the nature of our model here, but it’s also the nature of players being here and maybe either looking to move on or want to come away from the pressure that’s here, because three or four years of it—it’s a lot of pressure. But we always have to be ready to replace any players that go. But obviously, important for us is improvement. We always want to improve the team, improve the hunger in the team. That’s always key. You need the freshness.”

As I mentioned in one of my articles, Daizen Maeda has been compared to Henrik Larsson—our Celtic legend—as he closes in on his record of four hat-tricks in a calendar year and continues to top the scoring charts.

The boss has hinted that Maeda could be retained through the middle. James has said he’s been swayed towards keeping Maeda there, when he’s been one of the big advocates for leaving him on the left … this debate looks over.

But let’s be honest here: Celtic does need a new forward. Someone to refresh the Hoops squad. A fresh face, young blood, a strong talent—someone who can develop and grow further at the club, regardless of who is also at Celtic Park.

One name comes up over and over again: Mattias Kvistgaarden.

Recently, Thomas Gravesen—who played for Celtic in 2006 after joining from Real Madrid and made 29 appearances, and scored 6 goals here—made a very serious endorsement for this summer’s transfer window. He said Kvistgaarden is a shining star, having scored 10 goals from open play this season, and described him as a tremendous talent. If he moves to Scotland and starts playing for Celtic, Gravesen believes he could reach Henrik Larsson’s level, saying:

“If he moves to Scotland, I am sure that he can reach Henrik Larsson’s level if he spends five to ten years at Celtic. He is simply that good and strong.”

That’s a Hell of a statement. As good as Larsson?

Personally, I think Kvistgaarden would be a brilliant choice for the Hoops. But here’s another big question—can Celtic afford him? And would he agree to play in the green and white?

Living up to Henrik’s legacy at Celtic would be near-impossible, of course—he’s one of the grandest ever to wear the Hoops—but Kvistgaarden might still be a part of our story. He’s young, very strong, and a tremendous goal scorer with the will to fight. Most importantly, he’s a Brendan Rodgers type of player—he suits the style, the tactics, and the philosophy. That’s the question now—whether Kvistgaarden, or any player of his calibre, joins Celtic this summer. We, as fans, must look not only to the manager but to the upper management to make that happen.

Celtic have also been looking for a new goalkeeper since January. Brendan Rodgers may have landed a masterful option in Kasper Schmeichel for next season, but the club is apparently still keeping an eye on Martin Dúbravka.

With Champions League football still on the table, the move could make sense. For those who need the refresher—Dúbravka is a top-calibre keeper who joined Newcastle in January 2018 and was their first-choice for some time. He had a short loan spell at Manchester United but returned to Newcastle, making 191 appearances for the club. That run could soon come to an end, though, as Newcastle look for a fresh option between the sticks.

If Newcastle sign James Trafford for a £30 million fee – which is the rumour going around – it would change Dúbravka’s status over the pre-season—and he may emerge as Celtic’s number one choice for a new keeper. Schmeichel, who won the FA Cup under Rodgers at Leicester, is still in the squad, but at 37, and with just a year left on his deal, Dúbravka—at 36—might be a smart replacement.

There’s also talk about Sondre Ørjasæter joining Celtic this summer. Some sources have revealed he’s preparing for a potential move to Paradise. He was meant to come in during the January window, but that deal never materialised. Reflecting on the experience, he said:

“They were pretty brutal days for me in January. I struggled to sleep. I didn’t know if I was going to be in Norway or not. I could have moved at any moment. I had to carry my passport with me everywhere. Going abroad now is another level up. It had become more professional and everything. There were many thoughts going through my head during that period. If I get a little more time in Sarpsborg, I think I’ll mature and be ready for it eventually.”

And I think he was being honest—something rare in modern football. The way I see it, Ørjasæter could join the Hoops one day. Rodgers has suggested Celtic need a new winger, and Ørjasæter looks like a perfect fit.

Another player potentially heading to Celtic is Will Hughes. The English midfielder’s contract at Crystal Palace runs out soon, and some suggest Celtic could snap him up on a free this summer. If he does become available—as looks likely—it’s expected that Rodgers won’t lose interest. For now, it’s just speculation, but I really hope that one comes true.

As I mentioned in my last article, I genuinely believe Celtic will find a solution and come back stronger and more powerful next season. It all lies in the hands of Brendan Rodgers and the Celtic board—and we can’t wait to see what the future brings.