Celtic are entering a crucial summer as Brendan Rodgers looks to build a squad that can continue their dominance of the Scottish Premiership and reach the knockout stages of next season’s UEFA Champions League.
Scotland’s dominant force over the last four seasons, the Hoops won a domestic double yet again last season, while they also enjoyed their best European campaign in over a decade, narrowly losing to German giants Bayern Munich in the last 16 playoffs.
Head coach Rodgers has already admitted he’d like to freshen up his squad, and the bargain £1.2million arrival of Benjamin Nygren from FC Nordsjælland on Friday, coupled with the signings of Scotland internationals Kieran Tierney and Ross Doohan, are the boss first sign of intent - though more are expected to follow.
Cameron Carter-Vickers and Nicolas Kuhn have been both linked with exits this season, however, with the latter reported to be a £15million target for former club RB Leipzig. Can they they keep their duo at the club this summer? And what would Celtic’s strongest starting XI look like if they can keep them at Parkhead?
This is what The Scotsman feel is Celtic’s current strongest XI ahead of their season opener against St Mirren on August 3.
5. LB: Kieran Tierney
The Celtic hero rubber stamped his return to Celtic Park earlier this month, and he'll become one of the first names on Brendan Rodgers' team next season, with Greg Taylor departing this summer upon the expiry of his contract. | Getty Images Photo: Getty Images
6. CM: Callum McGregor
One of the club's most decorated players, the captain is a mainstay in the Celtic midfield. | SNS Group Photo: SNS Group
7. CM: Reo Hatate
One of the most technically gifted players in Celtic's squad, he's picked up interest from the English Premier League in the past. Missed the back end of last season with injury, but will almost certainly be in the starting XI come the beginning of the season, barring any last minute offers for his services. | Getty Images Photo: Getty Images
8. CM: Arne Engels
Had an up and down debut campaign at Celtic, following his record £11million move from Augsburg. However, the Belgian international's numbers were strong last year, and likely narrowly edge him ahead of Paulo Bernardo and Luke McCowan for a place in the starting XI. | SNS Group Photo: SNS Group