Done Deal: Celtic land huge deals for Dara O'Shea ........Read more

Celtic Eyes Defensive Overhaul: Potential Deals for Dara O’Shea and Liverpool’s Owen Beck

As the summer transfer window approaches its final days, Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers is under increasing pressure to bolster his squad, particularly in defence. Despite having one of the strongest backlines in the Scottish Premiership last season, Rodgers is keen to ensure that his team remains competitive on all fronts. So far, the Hoops have signed three new players—midfielder Paulo Bernardo, and goalkeepers Viljami Sanisalo and Kasper Schmeichel—but have yet to reinforce their defensive options. With potential exits looming, the need for new signings in defence is becoming more pressing

Rodgers is reportedly eyeing Burnley defender Dara O’Shea as a top target to strengthen his central defence. The 25-year-old Irish international has been on Rodgers’ radar since Burnley acquired him from West Brom for £7 million last summer. O’Shea’s performances in the Premier League have caught the attention of several clubs, including Brentford, who are also looking to shore up their defence. However, Celtic’s interest in O’Shea signifies Rodgers’ intent to make a statement in the transfer market.

Securing O’Shea would not come cheap for Celtic. Matching or exceeding the fee Burnley paid for him would require significant financial commitment, but it could prove to be a worthwhile investment. O’Shea’s versatility, leadership qualities, and experience in top-flight football make him an ideal candidate to solidify Celtic’s defence. If Celtic can fend off competition from Brentford and other suitors, O’Shea could become a cornerstone of Rodgers’ backline for years to come.

Another player linked with a move to Celtic is Liverpool’s Owen Beck. The 21-year-old left-back impressed during his loan spell at Dundee last season, where he made 17 appearances and quickly became a fan favorite. Beck’s performances earned him high praise, with former Hibernian star Tam McManus describing him as a “tremendous player” and lamenting Dundee’s loss when he was recalled by Liverpool.

Celtic’s interest in Beck is well-founded, given their need for depth and quality at left-back. However, Liverpool is reportedly only interested in a permanent transfer rather than another loan deal. This presents a challenge for Celtic, who may need to free up funds through player sales to finance a move for Beck. Despite this, Beck’s potential and proven ability in the Scottish Premiership make him an attractive option for Rodgers.

While new signings are a priority, Celtic’s existing defensive options are also in the spotlight. Cameron Carter-Vickers, who recently committed his future to the club until 2029, has been the subject of speculation, particularly with interest from Turkish clubs. However, it now seems unlikely that he will leave Celtic Park anytime soon, providing Rodgers with some much-needed stability at the heart of his defence.

Similarly, Stephen Welsh appears set to stay at Celtic despite interest from Belgian side KV Mechelen. Welsh has been a reliable option for Rodgers and, with the potential arrival of new defenders, could provide valuable depth as the season progresses.

To make room for new arrivals, Celtic is expected to offload several peripheral players before the transfer window closes. One such player is Gustaf Lagerbielke, who joined the Hoops for £3 million from Elfsborg last summer. Despite a promising start, Lagerbielke’s future at Celtic is uncertain, with a potential loan move to Italy’s Lecce on the cards. The deal was previously canceled due to injuries within the squad, but with defensive reinforcements incoming, Lagerbielke could be on his way out.

Yuki Kobayashi is another defender who could be heading for the exit. The Japanese international has struggled for game time and could follow in the footsteps of midfielder Kwon Hyeok-Kyu, who spent last season on loan at St Mirren. The Buddies are reportedly keen on bringing Kobayashi to Paisley, which could provide him with the opportunity for regular first-team football.

Lastly, Polish centre-back Maik Nawrocki is also rumored to be available for loan. Nawrocki, who joined Celtic last year, has yet to make a significant impact, and the club may be willing to let him go temporarily to gain experience elsewhere. While Celtic may have to accept a loss on Nawrocki, a loan move could benefit both the player and the club in the long run.

With the transfer window deadline fast approaching, Brendan Rodgers faces a crucial period in shaping Celtic’s squad for the season ahead. The potential signings of Dara O’Shea and Owen Beck could provide the defensive reinforcements needed to maintain Celtic’s dominance in Scotland and compete on the European stage. However, to achieve this, Rodgers must also navigate player exits and financial constraints. As the clock ticks down, Celtic fans will be eagerly watching to see if Rodgers can assemble the perfect defence to lead them to success.