According to the Daily Mail, Celtic have pinpointed Dara O’Shea and Michel-Ange Balikwisha as their top targets for the summer transfer window.
Having secured their 11th Scottish League title in 12 years and a Scottish Cup last season, Celtic are focused on enhancing their squad to improve their European performance, particularly as they prepare for the Champions League.
Manager Brendan Rodgers aims to strengthen both the defense and attack, and the stars from Burnley and Royal Antwerp have become the primary targets for the club’s leadership ahead of the new season.
Celtic Aim to Complete Transfers Before Season Starts
Rodgers outlined demands in board meeting
With just nine days left before the Scottish Premiership season kicks off, Celtic is racing against time to finalize their transfer dealings.
Manager Brendan Rodgers has already strengthened the goalkeeper department with the additions of Kasper Schmeichel and Viljami Sinisalo following Joe Hart’s retirement and Benjamin Siegrist’s sale. However, Rodgers aims to further bolster the squad and anticipates some exits as well.
During the club’s pre-season tour of the USA, Rodgers revealed that he has discussed potential transfers with the club’s leadership and expressed confidence that the players he targets will join Celtic before the transfer window closes.
“I had a long meeting with Michael [Nicholson] and Chris [McKay] today; we know the targets we want to bring in. There’s still a lot of time left in the window. Our focus is on the priority positions we want to strengthen.
“While the club is working on that, my coaching staff and I are concentrating on improving the team physically, tactically, and technically. I expect us to have the players we want before the end of August.”
Burnley defender Dara O’Shea, praised by former manager Slaven Bilic for his impressive rise, is the top defensive target for Celtic following Burnley’s relegation from the Premier League. Despite Burnley’s reluctance to sell after investing £7 million in him from West Brom last year, Celtic is hopeful that the appeal of Champions League football will secure the deal.
Michel-Ange Balikwisha, known for his dribbling skills, is likely to be considered a replacement for South Korean international Hyeon-Gu Oh, who joined KRC Genk earlier in the transfer window.
The Competition for Matt O’Riley Intensifies
Celtic have rejected bids for the midfield star
Any potential deals for top targets might be financed by the sale of midfield star Matt O’Riley, who is drawing interest from Atalanta and Premier League newcomers Southampton.
Atalanta has made two offers for the Denmark international, while Southampton has put forward a £14 million bid for the 23-year-old. However, Celtic have rejected all proposals, holding out for a club-record fee to let him go.
Celtic are also interested in former loanee Paulo Bernardo, with a deal already agreed with Benfica. Nonetheless, negotiations over personal terms have hit a snag. Additionally, Rodgers is keen on permanently signing Adam Idah from Norwich following his successful loan spell at Celtic last season.