Given that Brendan Rodgers has acknowledged that he needs more quality to rekindle Celtic’s flagging title chase, January may be quite busy for the team.
But, with a very bloated squad that needs to be trimmed first, there may actually be far more outs than ins. Many of the Hoops’ bench players have either failed to live up to expectations when given the opportunity or haven’t even demonstrated enough in training to be given any playing time.
Even some players who were added as recently as the summer aren’t getting a chance to play, and Rodgers has acknowledged that in order to be in his plans, he needs to accomplish more. Undoubtedly, some players will be leaving to make room for new additions to the team.
Ben Siegrist
Since joining in the summer of 2022, the former Dundee United keeper has only made two appearances, both for Celtic in the League Cup.
It would be imprudent for any club searching for a keeper to overlook him after his strong Premiership performances in the past.
The Hoops might put another shot stopper in the window, which would move him even lower on the hierarchy.
Lagerbielke, Gustavus
The Swedish center back was free to leave Parkhead in January, it was revealed, just days after he scored the winning goal in the Champions League against Feyenoord.
Brendan Rodgers hasn’t seemed to like the 23-year-old, who hasn’t even always made matchday squads since he signed in January.
He is well-liked in his native country, and clubs there and throughout Europe might be able to give him a new beginning.
Maik Nawrocki
Although signing in the summer, this other center back has not really received much attention from Rodgers.
In addition to Lagerbielke, the manager made it clear that he wanted to see more from the Pole during training.
Nathan Phillips
Although Phillips has played more than the other two center backs mentioned, there are rumors that his Liverpool loan will soon expire.
The 26-year-old hasn’t performed up to expectations, and his struggles were exposed by his back-to-back performances against Kilmarnock and Hibs. Since then, no one has seen him.
Kobayashi Yuki
Four center backs on this list may seem impressive, but that’s where the Hoops are at because a lot of their bench players aren’t good enough.
Although Kobayashi was signed by Ange Postecoglou, he hasn’t played a single minute of this campaign.
J-League teams are lining up to take him back to his native country in January, and Celtic are prepared to let him go on loan.
Bernabei Alexandro
The Argentinean may not have much longer with the Hoops if they sign another left-back.
This season, Greg Taylor has struggled with form, and Bernabei hasn’t been able to contend for his position. The Scotland player will be the one to continue and challenge any new recruit.
Turnbull, David
The midfield specialist’s contract expires in the summer, and he or she might decide to move on and play more regular football elsewhere.
In that scenario, January would be the club’s final opportunity to get paid a fee for him.
He may receive interest from England once more as Inter Milan was previously linked to him when he was almost moving to Norwich before moving to the east end of Glasgow.
McCarthy James
Considering how far removed from the first team he is, it seems unlikely that the forgotten Irishman’s recent performance for the B team in the Lowland League was intended to bring him back up to speed.
Consequently, it might have been to give him some playing time before a January transfer.
Given how little football he has played and the fact he will be paid a sizable salary, it would be difficult to decide where he could end up.
Hyeok-kyu Kwon
Having not made a single appearance, this summer signing is once again fraught with serious doubts.
It is unlikely that he will have much better luck after January, so it might be best for everyone if he takes out a loan.
Riley Matt
This is something that Celtic’s supporters most definitely WOULDN’T want to happen, but their in-form midfielder has been connected to moves to England and Italy.
This season, he has improved his goal total and is now perhaps even more crucial than captain Callum McGregor.
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