Celtic’s January window will be one of their most important in recent times.
It looks likely that it will be Wilfried Nancy’s first chance to mould the squad in his image – but regardless of manager, the team isn’t where it needs to be.
A desperately poor summer transfer window left Brendan Rodgers with a squad that he compared to a Honda Civic. Eventually, this led to his departure.
But given the Hoops’ inconsistent performances so far this season, the team could clearly do with some help.
David Watson, Hossam Essadak and Wessam Abou Ali are among those reportedly of interest – But young striker Michael Noonan’s name has re-emerged in reports today.
Celtic hopeful of winning the race for Michael Noonan
Noonan’s name might be familiar, given that he became the youngest goalscorer in Conference League history at the start of this year.
He was just 16 when he scored against Molde – he was filmed making school the next morning in a clip that went viral.
READ MORE: Peter Grant urges Celtic to change Wilfried Nancy’s start date in backroom staff warning
Molde v Shamrock Rovers - UEFA Conference League Knockout Phase Play-off 1st Leg
Photo By Marius Simensen/Sportsfile via Getty Images
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Last year, Noonan joined Shamrock Rovers from St Pats, despite well-publicised interest from Manchester City. He made this decision for more first-team football.
City reportedly still hold interest alongside rivals Man Utd, but the Irish Sun report that Celtic are optimistic of winning the race for the striker.
He doesn’t turn 18 until July, making him unable to join a club outside of Ireland until next summer at the earliest.
But the report says that Noonan is seen as a good long-term investment who could have a high resale value.
Noonan has scored nine for Rovers this year, and is hoping to make it double digits in Thursday’s Conference League clash with Shamrock Rovers.
And with the likes of Kelechi Iheanacho, Callum Osmand, Johnny Kenny and Shin Yamada all ahead of him in the pecking order, his pathway to first-team football wouldn’t be clear without departures.
But as a highly-rated striker, his signature would still be a coup given the interest from England – Dermot Desmond’s influence at Tallaght could well play a part.
Celtic’s squad situation ahead of the January window
Rodgers had previously noted the lack of balance among the team’s frontline, with a lack of players who prefer to operate on the right flank.
This simply needs to be addressed in the window. Centre back could well be on the radar after Cameron Carter-Vickers’ injury.
But outgoings could also be on the menu. Daizen Maeda is reportedly prepared to leave in January, with clubs readying bids.
Players such as Paulo Bernardo and Yang Hyun-Jun could also seek more game time elsewhere.
How much would you sell Daizen Maeda for?
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