Celtic's next priority is clear following Michel-Ange Balikwisha, Marcelo Saracchi double swoop
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Credit: Imago/Celtic FC
Chris Smith
Thu 28 August 2025 22:33, UK
Celtic have completed the signing of Michel-Ange Balikwisha, and Marcelo Saracchi is close behind, but there is still plenty of work to do in the transfer window.
The Hoops have made a strong start to the season domestically, winning all three of their Scottish Premiership matches and beating Falkirk 4-1 in the League Cup.
However, a 0-0 draw across two legs against Kazakh side Kairat Almaty in their Champions League playoff — ultimately ending in a penalty shootout exit — has shone a harsh light on their lack of a consistent goalscorer.
That is the one key area that must now be addressed by Celtic before the closure of the transfer window — with a Europa League campaign now to come.
At the time of writing, Celtic have just three senior strikers at their disposal in Adam Idah, Shin Yamada and Johnny Kenny.
However, only Idah has played more than six Premiership matches out of that trio, and he is on the verge of completing a move to Championship side Swansea.
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Even with Idah still around, winger Daizen Maeda has often been used as a makeshift No.9
The Japan international scored 33 goals in all competitions last season, including 14 in 10 appearances as a striker (Transfermarkt).
PlayerGoalsBenjamin Nygren3Johnny Kenny1Luke McCowan1Reo Hatate1Celtic’s league goalscorers this season
But this season has been a different story, with Maeda netting just once in six appearances across all competitions.
Maeda has been linked with a move to the Premier League this summer, and former Scotland forward Alan Brazil has expressed worry that the 27-year-old’s head has been turned.
But whatever the reason, Maeda has shown he is not a natural striker and cannot be relied upon as a regular source of goals in that position.
Instead, Brendan Rodgers must now dip into the market before the window closes on Monday.
Credit: Imago
Jamie Vardy has been linked with Celtic all summer, but he now looks set to join Serie A side Cremonese.
Romanian forward Louis Munteanu has also been a heavily rumoured target (Daily Record, 21 August) after he registered 25 goals in 42 appearances for CFR Cluj in his homeland last season.
However, no bid for the 23-year-old has yet been lodged.
Time is running out if Celtic do want to land a quality striker, and the rumour mill looks worryingly quiet on that front.
Fans will feel an even bigger sense of urgency as rivals Rangers seem to be moving forward with acquiring a No.9, despite their struggles at the start of this season.
The Gers have made an inquiry about Everton youngster Youssef Chermiti, while they also seem to be making headway in signing former Aberdeen marksman Bojan Miovski — another striker who was linked with Celtic this summer.
Celtic have already taken a commanding position in the Scottish title race, but supporters want to see a push for another domestic treble and a deep run into the Europa League — especially considering Rangers have reached a final and quarter-final of that competition in the last four years.
To do that, Rodgers is going to have to unearth a quality No.9 from somewhere in the next few days.