The transfer speculation swirling around Celtic’s potential summer acquisitions had already kicked off well before the conclusion of the previous season. While much attention focused on the search for a successor to Celtic legend Joe Hart, rumors on incoming players bound for Celtic during the upcoming transfer window started flooding in.
To maintain squad harmony, it’s essential for Celtic not only to bolster their roster but also to let go of some players this summer. Brendan Rodgers might oversee a significant exodus of eight players from Celtic in the coming months, aiming to strike a balance between new signings and current squad members.
With a surplus of fringe players at Celtic, a delicate equilibrium must be maintained when Rodgers strengthens the team during the transfer window. Football pundit Jim Duffy has identified four players he believes have no immediate future at the club.
Duffy pointed out that Mikey Johnston, along with three others, may depart Celtic this summer. Meanwhile, reflecting on last year’s transfer dealings, Duffy suggested that two recent acquisitions, Gustaf Lagerbielke and Odin Thiago Holm, could be on their way out alongside two other peripheral figures.
While many agree with the majority of Duffy’s assessments, some believe Odin Thiago Holm could still have a role to play at Celtic. Despite facing tough competition for a spot in the team, particularly with talents like Callum McGregor, Tomoki Iwata, and Paulo Bernardo ahead of him, Holm, a 21-year-old Norwegian U21 international, possesses promise and room to grow within the club.
To unlock his potential, it could be beneficial for Celtic to loan Holm to another Scottish club for regular playing time and acclimatization to the Scottish football environment. By affording Holm the opportunity to showcase his abilities on loan, a more informed decision about his future at Celtic can be made. Neglecting this developmental step would be unjust to a gifted player who was once hailed as one of the brightest prospects of his generation.