By Brendan Hunter
With the summer transfer window fast approaching, it is only natural to look at potential recruits that are both interesting and realistic. Here are 4 transfer targets Celtic should be looking at this summer if they realistically want to make a run in Europe this forthcoming season.
Target 1: Michael Olunga
Position: Striker/Centre Forward
The big Kenyan might be a familiar name to those who watch the J league, with him playing for Kashiwa Reysol. He even scored 8 goals in one J league match in 2020. 28 goals in 32 games led to him making a lucrative move to Qatar with Al Duhail. The goals kept coming, and in just 4 and a half seasons he racked up an impressive 130 goals in all competitions. The 31-year-old was recently released and is available for a free. While Celtic will almost certainly struggle to match the salary offered in Qatar, taking a punt on the 6ft 4 striker is a no-brainer. Blessed with height, strength and pace, Olunga is a player that seems a perfect fit for the style Brendan Rodgers wants. His ability to come deep and hold the ball up could be an overkill option should Celtic keep Kuhn and Maeda and certainly is a style that is very useful vs the bigger European sides in the Champions League. On top of that, Olunga will no doubt score for fun in the SPFL and might be willing to come back to Europe to have one last crack at European football.
Target 2: Junya Ito
Position: Winger/Attacking Mid
At 32 years old, this might be an eyebrow raiser for some, but there is no doubt Ito is quality. From a stat point Ito might not look too good, less than 10 goals and assists in the past 2 seasons might put off some, but this low number is not a reflection of his quality. For example, to counter that, he created the most chances in Ligue 1 this past season, beating the likes of Dembele, Cheriki and Perrin, all of whom had excellent season's. Put him in Celtic's line-up and the assists will skyrocket for both player and club. A regular starter for club and country, Celtic should be using their connection with Japanese players to recruit Ito, particularly if Kuhn were to leave. He is valued at around 8 million, however there is a real possibility Celtic can snap him up for less than that following Reims relegation to Ligue 2. Junya Ito will no doubt prefer a move to a Champions League side to make sure he is starting for Japan at the 2026 World Cup, and Celtic certainly offer him all the opportunity to do so. He can play on both wings and through the middle if needed. An incredible dribbler, crosser and with fantastic pace, he is a player that will not only put the ball on a plate for the attackers, but will get fans out of their seats on a weekly basis.
Target 3: Keito Nakamura
Position: Winger/Forward
Another Japanese, I hear you say? You are most correct and once again he is another player from relegation confirmed Reims. That means a possibility of getting him at a fraction of his value and at 24 years old, it could prove to be a bargain. Keito Nakamura is a player I have been watching for a number of years now, and I think the timing is right for Celtic to make a move. After dazzling away in Austria with LASK, he made the move to France in 2023. After a relatively poor season by his standards, only finishing with 4 goals, he exploded this season, finishing with 11 goals in 30 games. Not too bad for a player usually found on the wing. A very technical player, Nakamura has a great dribble on him, willing to run at players and his fast pace and great movement often lead to him running in behind, giving him a great share of his goals. Wolves have already been linked with him but with Champions League football, Celtic have the edge, at least for now. Should he sign for Celtic, don't expect Keito to stay more than 2 seasons before a big money offer comes in, however he will fast become a fan's favourite in the East End. Fitting into the Brendan ball will be no problem with him as he is used to a high pressing style of play for both club and country.
Target 4: Jae Won Hwang
Position: Right Back
There is a constant reality at Celtic that both the fans and coaches know: If you are good and a high offer comes in, you will be off. The likes of Kyogo, Jota, Tierney and Matt O'Riley have all come in for little money and been sold at a high price tag. And Alistair Johnson has the ability to join that list. Hence, why I am recommending a right back here. Now Jae Won Hwang is currently at Daegu who languish bottom of the K League and that might not scream confidence from fans, however the 22-year-old could be a cut-price option for Celtic if Johnson leaves. More of a right-winger than a right back at times, Hwang is a player that Celtic fans will love. He plays a high press, which is rare for a right back, but he does it with such effectiveness it is hard to ignore. Winning 6 balls per game from his pressing is not to be sniffed at, and when his team has the ball, he is already running down the wing ready to put the ball into the box. Again stat wise is not very exciting but remember his club are not very good. His passing is very good as well, and it seems he could walk into a possession based team such as Celtic with ease. He will also be available for less than a million euros, which in modern football is nothing.
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