Celtic will be on the hunt for some top talent this summer as Brendan Rodgers attempts to transform his side from one that can dominate domestically into one that can compete on the continent.
For his first season in charge, this year’s showing the UEFA Champions League was far from a disaster but supporters’ expectations have increased since then and they’ll want to see big improvement next season.
To do that Rodgers must recruit well, seeking players that have definite first team quality but perhaps are yet to make the next big step in their career or currently find themselves on the fringes of elite squads.
A good way of sourcing talent that are at the peak of their powers is through international football. Generally players don’t get the national call when they are out of form or not playing and it’s a decent indicator that they’ve reached a certain level in their career so far.
With the international break upon us, here are FOUR of this week’s international stars that could help bring Celtic to the next level…
Joe Ledley
Joe Ledley is of course very well known to Celtic fans after a four-year spell at the club that saw him make over 150 appearances. His move to Crystal Palace has seen him become a regular in the Premier League but with his contract up at the end of the season, it’s the perfect time for Celtic to come back in for the Welsh international and sign him up.
Ledley always gave everything for the Hoops and became a popular man with supporters in the heart of their midfield. He’s proven he can turn it on in the big occasions at Celtic Park, always enjoying a derby or a European night.
Celtic could do with significant quality in that area with question marks surrounding the likes of Nir Bitton and Callum McGregor and their ability to be an effective force in Europe.
On a free, who could argue it wouldn’t be good value?
Aaron Mooy
Aaron Mooy is an Australian international who has received the call-up for their matches this week against Iraq and United Arab Emirates. With 22 caps to his name, he’s fast become a key man for the Socceroos alongside the likes of Celtic star Tom Rogic.
It’s his form at club level this season that should really be catching Celtic’s eye though. He’s been the key man for Huddersfield Town in the Championship this season, on loan from Manchester City. Huddersfield have a great chance of promotion to the Premier League either automatically or through the play-offs and Mooy’s performances in midfield have been at the heart of that.
It would be a difficult signing to pull off, with over two years left on his deal at Manchester City, but it’s unlikely he’ll make the breakthrough under Pep Guardiola and a loan up to Celtic could be the perfect move for all parties.
Pontus Jansson
Another star man in the English Championship this season has been Sweden defender Pontus Jansson, who has been called up alongside Celtic star Mikael Lustig for their matches against Belarus and Portugal.
His performances for Leeds United have been nothing short of stellar for the majority of the season, a massive part of their shock push for promotion under Garry Monk.
Central defence is a key area that Celtic must improve this summer if they are to improve in the UEFA Champions League and a move for someone like Jansson could bring them to the next level. At 26 years of age he’s coming into the prime of his career and with bigger sides likely taking note of his performances too, a move sooner rather than later could allow the Hoops to land him before they come calling.
Chris Wood
Currently on international duty with New Zealand to face Fiji, Chris Wood is another Leeds United star on our list who could help Celtic do special things.
He’s been on fire in the Championship this season, the division’s top scorer on 24 goals. Added to his three in the League Cup, that’s an incredible 27 goals he’s banged in.
If Moussa Dembele makes a move for a large fee this summer then Celtic will be swimming in money to spend and moving for Chris Wood could go some way towards filling the hole left by the Frenchman.
Regardless, Wood is an option worth exploring. Celtic need more depth in the striking area with only Leigh Griffiths there as back-up to Dembele. Adding another striker of quality could bring even more goals to Celtic Park.
