On Monday at his unveiling as the new Celtic manager, Brendan Rodgers told reporters he’s already surveying the strengths and weaknesses of his new side.
He said: “Since I was appointed, I’ve looked at every single goal Celtic have scored and conceded. I know where there are areas we can improve on and gain. That’s important for us.”
Also underlining his preference for a more streamlined squad of around 22 outfield players, instead of the bloated 30-plus there right now, it’s clear that some names will be on their way out of Celtic Park this summer.
With that in mind we’ve looked at FIVE players that could be moved on in the upcoming transfer window…
Emilio Izaguirre
The Honduras international is a popular figure with the Celtic Park faithful, with fans recently unveiling a banner saying “Emilio Izaguirre – Celtic loves you more than you will know,” echoing the song that sometimes gets an airing on the terraces.
That was in the spirit of goodbye as it’s widely expected he will be moving on to pastures new this summer. Since the emergence of Kieran Tierney, he’s struggled to find a place in the side and, although he clearly has a lot of love for the club, he’ll be looking for first-team football for the good of his career.
James Forrest
With his contract due to expire at the end of 2016, Ronny Deila revealed in February that James Forrest had knocked back an offer from the club to stay. Undoubtedly the Bhoys will be hoping to get some sort of fee for a player that’s been at the club since 2003.
He’s started only one game in 2016 but with almost 200 appearances for the Hoops in all competitions he will offer any new club plenty of experience, plenty of pace and a directness that can be a problem for defenders.
Anthony Stokes
Anthony Stokes is a lifelong Celtic fan and another player who has a great relationship with the club’s fans. That said he fell out of favour at the Bhoys last summer and only made two appearances until January, when he was shipped off to Hibs on loan.
As shown in the Scottish Cup Final, where he scored two vital goals to help Hibs win their first Scottish Cup in 114 years, he still has plenty to offer on his day.
Whether he gels with Brendan Rodgers remains to be seen but he could well find that it’s already too late for him at Celtic on his return.
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Nadir Ciftci
Nadir Ciftci was one of a trio of signings from Dundee United in 2015 who had the Tayside club flying high and playing good football in the Scottish Premiership.
While you still feel there’s some hope for Gary Mackay-Steven and Stuart Armstrong at the Hoops, things for Ciftci haven’t gone so smoothly.
Struggling to find his feet from the start with faltering performances in Champions League qualifying, he was eventually frozen out by the superb form of Leigh Griffiths.
He moved to his homeland Turkey to join Eskisehirspor on loan in January and will find it tough to prove he is good enough to make the grade at Celtic this summer.
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Efe Ambrose
Undoubtedly a cult figure with fans due to his cheery personality and trademark somersault celebrations, the Nigeria international’s time could be up at Celtic Park.
There’s no doubting at times he can show bouts of consistency but these are usually marred at some point by a poor defensive error that ends up costing Celtic dearly. Even with the fondness that fans naturally have for him, he’s tested their patience to breaking point.
After 167 appearances it could finally be time to say goodbye to Efe!
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