It’s only day one for the Frenchman, but Celtic’s January plans are already gathering pace in Glasgow’s east end.
Wilfried Nancy has arrived at Lennoxtown and wasted no time getting to work. One thing will be obvious to the new Celtic manager from the outset: he needs reinforcements. Brendan Rodgers made no secret of his frustration over the club’s summer business, repeatedly highlighting the lack of attacking options before his turbulent exit from Parkhead. Now, it falls to Nancy to coordinate with Celtic’s hierarchy on a crucial January recruitment push.
Head of football operations Paul Tisdale played a leading role in securing Nancy’s arrival and will now be responsible for delivering the players Dermot Desmond’s preferred candidate requires.
So who might stay, who could be moved on, and which areas need urgent attention?
Daizen Maeda
Interest remains strong in the 28-year-old, and he could still depart after Celtic rejected several bids in recent windows. Maeda started the season slowly but has rediscovered form under Martin O’Neill. Nancy is hopeful of convincing the forward to remain at the club.
Right-Back Reinforcements
With Alistair Johnston sidelined for an extended period, Celtic are believed to be seeking extra depth at right-back. Anthony Ralston and Colby Donovan are currently competing for the position, but Turkish reports claim Galatasaray’s Elias Jelert is on the radar. A loan with a £7 million option to buy has been discussed.
Striker Hunt
Since Kyogo’s departure in January, Celtic have lacked a consistent goalscorer. A move for Kasper Dolberg collapsed late in the summer window, leaving the club to scramble for free agent Kelechi Iheanacho. Now, Columbus Crew pair Diego Rossi and Wessam Abou Ali have been linked, while speculation around Cluj striker Louis Munteanu continues.
Midfield Options
Midfield may be Celtic’s strongest department, but additions are still being explored. Kilmarnock’s David Watson and Sunderland’s Hossam Essadak have been identified as potential targets, while West Ham’s Andy Irving has also been mentioned in reports.
Winger Search
Celtic managed to secure Sebastian Tounekti late in the summer window, but several other wide players slipped through as time ran out. Go Ahead Eagles winger Jakob Breum was a long-term target, but a fee couldn’t be agreed. With Tounekti and Michel-Ange Balikwisha heading to the Africa Cup of Nations and Jota still out, reinforcements on the flanks—particularly on the right—may be essential.
Stephen Welsh
The defender has impressed on loan at Motherwell, while Celtic are currently short at centre-back due to Cameron Carter-Vickers’ absence. The club may enter the market, but recalling Welsh could offer Nancy a quick solution.
Luis Palma
Nancy is also considering recalling Luis Palma early from his loan at Lech Poznań. The winger has been in excellent form in Poland, with six goals and six assists so far. Poznań are expected to resist any attempt to cut the loan short, but Celtic may still push to bring him back for the new manager.
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