Alexander Isak broke the British transfer record this summer (Credits: Imago Images)
Celtic are facing a summer of significant squad reconstruction under Martin O’Neill, with multiple attacking positions needing to be filled before the new season begins.
Plymouth Argyle have placed a £3million price tag on striker Lorent Tolaj, who attracted interest from Celtic after a prolific campaign in England.
Tolaj netted 21 goals in all competitions last season, making him one of the most sought-after strikers outside the top flight, with Preston North End also reportedly chasing his signature.
Plymouth Argyle CEO Paul Berne has moved to cool speculation, insisting he expects all contracted players to report for pre-season training as planned.
Berne told Plymouth Live: “We have planned that all the players we have got will be with us on day one of pre-season. That’s what we plan to do.”
He added that manager Tom Cleverley and his coaching staff would begin preparations on that basis, suggesting no imminent departure is expected for the in-demand striker.
O’Neill’s rebuilding task is made more complex by the likely exit of star forward Daizen Maeda, while loanees Tomas Cvancara, Junior Adamu, and Joel Mvuka all failed to earn permanent deals.
Kelechi Iheanacho is also out of contract with no confirmed update on his future, leaving the attacking options looking thin heading into the transfer window.
Kawasaki Frontale striker Soma Kanda has emerged as another name being monitored, with reports claiming the 20-year-old “is being investigated by Parkhead scouts” and English Championship clubs also keen.
Former Celtic defender Charlie Mulgrew has urged the club to move quickly on three additional targets he believes would strengthen the squad immediately.
Mulgrew singled out loanee Marcelo Saracchi, who spent last season at Celtic Park from Boca Juniors, as a player who left a lasting impression during his time in Glasgow.
He told Go Radio: “I think Saracchi… his performance against Hearts on the last day of the league was unbelievable. The desire he showed to go and make something happen in the match.”
Mulgrew added: “He’s somebody that I would love to see sign for Celtic. I’m not sure what the price of that will be – two or three million? He was brilliant.”
The former defender was equally enthusiastic about Motherwell duo Elijah Just and Tawanda Maswanhise, describing both as attainable targets worth pursuing without delay.
Mulgrew said: “Eli Just, I would definitely get him in the door. I would look at Maswanhise as well. Low hanging fruit, get these guys in the building.”
He emphasised urgency above all else, calling on the club to finalise deals quickly and have new arrivals settled before pre-season work intensifies under the returning O’Neill.
Mulgrew concluded: “Get these players in the building. Get this business done as quick as you can. Get them in for preseason and let them settle in.”
About the Author
