Glasgow Celtic are starting to make meaningful strides in the transfer market and could now be set to compete for the signature of a talented midfielder, according to a report.
Brendan Rodgers addresses Celtic’s next steps in the window
Five signings have made their way to Celtic since the window opened, and plenty more will be expected from the Hoops support as the countdown to their curtain-raiser against St Mirren draws closer.
Speaking after his side’s 3-2 defeat to Estrela de Amadora in pre-season, Brendan Rodgers confirmed his side are working on securing new faces in midfield and attack, admitting his side are a little short amid the departure of Nicolas Kuhn.
He stated: “I think there’s work going on behind the scenes. It’s clear we need to improve the squad. A lot of work is going on behind the scenes, there are loads of names floating about.”
“I think the positions you’ve mentioned, we’re clear that we need to improve our frontline. We lost Kyogo in January and another player with Nicolas gone. That’s a lot of goals that’s gone out of the team. So for us, we need to strengthen that area of the field. But the guys back home are working hard on that.”
Kawasaki Frontale striker Shin Yamada is set to join Celtic next week. However, their search for attacking reinforcements is unlikely to end there due to their pursuit of Napoli forward Giuseppe Ambrosino.
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The next Jota: Celtic are now attempting to sign “very exciting” £3.2m star
As Celtic continue their busy summer transfer window activity, could the Hoops win the race to sign a “very exciting” £3.2m-rated Portugues youngster?
Admittedly, there is a growing feeling among some supporters that Celtic are yet to really kick off the summer window in earnest, but that could all be about to change if recent developments are anything to go by.
Celtic fighting rival suitors for Salvatore Esposito
According to The Boot Room, Celtic are one of several clubs in the race to sign Spezia midfielder Salvatore Esposito, who could be allowed to leave his homeland on loan with an option to make any move permanent.
The scenario of an outright sale hasn’t been ruled out. Nevertheless, Brighton & Hove Albion, Burnley, Brentford, Fulham, Everton, Sunderland, and Rangers are also reportedly pursuing the one-cap Italy international.
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Salvatore Esposito in Serie B – 2024/25 (Fotmob) |
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Chances created |
78 |
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Pass completion |
85% |
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Dribble success |
81.1% |
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Tackles won |
36 |
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Recoveries |
207 |
Despite predominantly operating in a deep-lying midfield role, Esposito chipped in with seven goals and ten assists in 37 appearances across all competitions for Spezia, even if his sizeable contribution wasn’t enough to win his side promotion.
Previously, the 24-year-old has been likened to former Arsenal midfielder Jorginho by Jacek Kulig, so it will come as no surprise to see a lengthy list of clubs in the mix for his services.
Celtic have long sought another body in the six position to dictate play, albeit it would be intriguing to see whether Esposito and Callum McGregor could fit in the same side.
