WITH nine in a row in the bag, all focus has turned to winning that elusive 10th title in a row. Of course, it has never been done and it will have to be earned. Neil Lennon is enjoying the moment of being Champions, but will no doubt be plotting for next season already.
Betting markets are yet to predict Celtic’s chances of getting to 10 in a row, and it may come down to how they perform in the transfer window. However, it would be difficult to back against them. 888Sport is great for placing SPFL bets as they often include special markets along with match days. We’re looking forward to seeing what price they post for the big one.
Celtic’s Tricky Transfer Window
The transfer window is open for business and for Celtic fans (and Lennon), the biggest concern is holding on to our prized assets.
Speaking to the Press Association, Lennon said:
“I am really happy with the squad, I am not sure we need to do a lot of rebuilding at all, if at all.
“But, again, you don’t know what the landscape is going to look like with bringing players in.”
This is a clear show of faith in his players who have delivered an incredible 11 domestic trophies in the past four seasons. He knows the squad inside out and believes there is enough depth to push on for this historic season ahead.
One of the biggest questions, however, is can Celtic hold on to their star performers? Top striker Odsonne Edouard has been linked to several Premier League clubs and is widely expected to move on. In fact, he is a short at 5/2 (3.5) with some bookies to leave before the summer. Celtic would love to hang on the French youngster for at least one more season, but maybe forced to cash in.
Possible Replacements for Edouard
Adrian Grbic has emerged as the man who could fill French Eddy’s shoes. The Austrian International currently plays for the recently promoted Ligue 1 side Clermont Foot, and has made a big impact. The 23-year-old has netted 17 times in 26 appearances for the club and is tipped for the top.
With that, of course, comes competition. Several clubs, including rivals Rangers have also been linked with the young forward. Rangers recently signed Ianis Hagi for a reported £3m, so it’s unclear where they may get the funding to buy Grbic who has a whopping price tag of £10m.
If Celtic do move Grbic it would very much depend on Edouard’s departure. If he moves on, a Scottish transfer record is expected with a deal in excess of £30m rumoured. The Bhoys, therefore, may break the bank on the Austrian, but with such a huge price – it’s a gamble.
Shon Weissman has also emerged as a target for the Hoops and looks a more likely option. The Israeli frontman plys his trade for Wolfsberger AC in the Austrian Bundesliga. The pacy 24-year-old is only 5ft 9in, but gets in and around the box very well. He has scored an unbelievable 23 times in 22 appearances for Wolfsberger and could be a bargain at £4m.
Other areas of the team may be forced to be patched up, too, with talk of Kris Ajer moving in the summer. The big Norwegian has been excellent at the back with Chris Julien and would be sorely missed. Although reports now suggest that Ajer has no intention of leaving, and has parted ways with his agent.
It is yet to be seen what this transfer window will bring for Neil Lennon and his Champions. But, in all likelihood, we’ll see some new faces in the famous green and white hoops for the 10 in a row campaign.
