Celtic are targeting five new signings in a frantic push before the transfer window closes at 5pm on Thursday. The Daily Record reports the Scottish Premiership leaders have a list of targets that includes a coveted midfield trio, with Reo Hatate expected to depart.
This activity comes as Celtic sit first in the Premiership with nine points from three wins, scoring eight goals and conceding just two. They hold a two-point lead over St Mirren and next face Dundee United away on December 30th. However, the squad is dealing with several absences, including Alistair Johnston, Jota, Callum McGregor, Kasper Høgh, and the aforementioned Hatate, as shown on our injuries list.
Which midfielders are Celtic trying to sign?
Celtic's primary focus is on strengthening the engine room. A concrete offer has been made for Lithuanian midfielder Gvidas Gineitis. The club is also pursuing 19-year-old Dutch defender Joel van den Berg, who can also play in midfield, for a fee reported to be around £3.4 million. A third target is 22-year-old Justin Devenny, with a potential cost of approximately £6 million. The potential departure of Reo Hatate before the deadline is a driving factor behind this midfield recruitment drive.
Who else is on Celtic's transfer shortlist?
Beyond midfield, Celtic are looking for a new goalkeeper. Targets include 34-year-old Sam Johnstone, Nick Pope, and Denis Adamov. In defence, with Kieran Tierney injured and Greg Taylor unlikely to return, left-back options are being explored. Mitchel Bakker and Landon Emenalo are among the names under consideration. The club must also submit their Europa League squad to UEFA by 11pm on Wednesday, adding another layer of urgency to these negotiations.
Which deal is already confirmed for Celtic?
One incoming move is already set. Danish midfielder Dane Oliver Sorensen, 24, will join Celtic on loan. Sorensen made 34 appearances for Parma last season after they signed him for around £8 million. He has been capped 15 times by Denmark's Under-21 side, scoring six goals. His arrival provides immediate depth, especially with the recent sale of Arne Engels to West Ham.
Agent Cesar Peixoto commented on the challenging nature of the window, stating, "I have the same conversations." He added, "Sometimes you have to take difficult decisions."
What does this mean for Celtic's season?
The final 48 hours of the window are critical for manager and recruitment staff. Successfully landing even a portion of these targets would significantly bolster a squad already performing well in the league. Integrating new players quickly will be important for maintaining their perfect start, detailed in our standings. The need for reinforcements is underscored by the current injury list, and the club's activity will shape their options for the upcoming fixtures, including the trip to face Dundee United.
