Celtic transfer state of play as Carl Starfelt exit talk emerges with Brendan Rodgers planning departure discussions
More arrivals will happen ahead of Champions League group stage but there's players who need to be moved on as well.
There’s still work to be done at Celtic in terms of both incoming and outgoing transfers.
However, Brendan Rodgers’ focus for now is on the start of the new Premiership season and the Hoops’ defence of their title. Of course, there’s Treble in the cabinet from last season but the Viaplay and Scottish Cups can take a back seat for now, with the Champions League group stage also due to kick off after this month’s draw, which Celtic are in once again.
Scooping the lot domestically again will be expected from the fanbase. But it’s in Europe where Rodgers will truly be judged. He didn’t really get to grips with games against the continent’s elite last time around. Predecessor Ange Postecoglou competed but results weren’t great. Being better prepared in terms of personnel will help and Rodgers will have an idea of the level of player required but also attainable.
However, exits are also on the cards after several new arrivals. Carl Starfelt has now joined the list of names who could be moving on.
The signing of Maik Nawrocki has placed the Swede’s starting spot in doubt. The new £4.3million man started alongside the fit-again Cameron Carter-Vickers in Rogers' last friendly lineup against Athletic Bilbao in midweek. Starfelt came on at half-time but it would seem that Nawrocki has been brought in to start straight away,
Reports linking Starfelt with a move away have emerged, with several clubs in Europe thought to be interested. A reunion with partner Jacynta, who left Celtic women for Sporting over the summer, has been floated although there’s little concrete to suggest that the Lisbon giants are looking to make it a double Hoops swoop.
That development comes as Rodgers admits he will sit down with a number of players to let them know where they stand. The likes of Albian Ajeti, James McCarthy and Ismaila Soro are all well out of the picture and will be given opportunities to move on before the window closes in just over three weeks’ time.
As for more new faces, Haris Belkbela’s name has been put forward. Reports in Algeria claim that the attacking midfielder is Celtic’s ‘main target’ but face competition from Sheffield United for his signature.