A Pivotal Summer Ahead for Celtic as Brendan Rodgers Prepares for Squad Overhaul
The upcoming summer transfer window promises to be a significant one for Celtic, with Brendan Rodgers already mapping out where he feels the squad needs strengthening. The Celtic manager, speaking openly in recent interviews, has indicated that bringing in a new wide player is high on his priority list, while reinforcing the striker position is another key area of focus.
Rodgers’ desire for another winger coincides with a shift in approach that has seen Daizen Maeda move centrally to lead the line — a tactical tweak that has added pace and intensity to Celtic’s attacking play. While Maeda’s pressing game suits the role, it’s also a response to the need for more direct threat and movement in the final third following the departure of Kyogo Furuhashi. Meanwhile, Adam Idah has been providing valuable support from the bench, offering a more traditional presence up front.
However, this reshuffle has also exposed some weaknesses, particularly in terms of depth and form out wide. One of the players under the spotlight is Nicolas Kuhn. The German winger, who arrived with promise and flashes of quality, has found consistent form difficult to maintain. His recent struggles have sparked debate over whether Celtic could cut their losses and move him on in the summer.
Michael Stewart: Celtic Could Sell Kuhn and Still Strengthen
Speaking on the Premier Sports Social Club podcast, pundit and former midfielder Michael Stewart weighed in on Kuhn’s situation, suggesting that nothing is off the table when it comes to Celtic’s transfer policy. According to Stewart, the Scottish champions are not afraid to sell a player who isn’t performing to the required standard — especially if the transfer fee can be reinvested wisely.
“If you look at the front three Celtic have at the moment, obviously there’s flexibility in there,” Stewart said. “Then you’ve got Idah and Yang as backup… they are clearly going to go and recruit a big name, or main, number nine striker.
“So if you’re selling one of the wide guys you could be signing a main striker and another winger and possibly still making a profit off that if you’re to sell Nicolas Kuhn at a good price. Celtic have shown over the years they are not frightened to sell one of their top assets at a good price and then reinvest — perhaps not all of it — but they’ve done well at then bringing in the next guy who’s going to make them some money.”
This insight aligns with how Celtic have typically operated under their current board: identifying undervalued talent, developing them, and selling at a profit — all while keeping the squad competitive and sustainable. Kuhn’s future could depend on whether Celtic believe he has the potential to bounce back, or whether he’s simply not suited to the demands of Rodgers’ system.
Who Could Celtic Target to Lead the Line?
One of the more pressing questions for the summer surrounds the need for a central striker. With Kyogo gone, and no natural successor nailed down, it’s clear that Rodgers wants to bring in someone with presence and pedigree — a frontman who can lead the line but also link play and finish chances at a high level.
There are already a few names linked:
Mathias Kvistgaarden (Brøndby) remains a long-term Celtic target. At just 22, the Danish forward has the mobility and profile that fits Rodgers’ system. However, Brøndby’s valuation is believed to be high, which could complicate negotiations unless Celtic are willing to make him one of their marquee signings.
David Strelec, currently unsettled at Slovan Bratislava, has also emerged as a more affordable option. Strelec has been seeking a move and is reportedly open to Celtic’s interest. His goal-scoring record in Slovakia is solid, and at 6’1”, he offers more aerial presence.
Kelechi Iheanacho was a target in January, with Rodgers keen to reunite with the Nigerian international whom he worked with at Leicester City. The move didn’t materialize then, but a renewed loan deal — depending on Iheanacho’s situation at Leicester — could be explored again. With Leicester promoted back to the Premier League, they may be looking to reshape their squad, possibly opening the door for Celtic.
What About Daizen Maeda and Adam Idah?
While Maeda has been effective in the central role, most see him as a versatile forward rather than an out-and-out striker. His relentless work rate is a major asset, but Rodgers will know that over a long campaign — both domestically and in Europe — Celtic need more variety and cutting edge in the box.
Adam Idah, meanwhile, has shown flashes of quality and a good eye for goal. His physicality and ability to occupy defenders make him a useful option, but whether Celtic see him as a long-term solution or a valuable squad player will influence whether another striker comes in as the main man.
Balancing the Books — The Celtic Way
If Celtic do decide to cash in on Kuhn — who still has resale value — that could help fund both the striker and the winger Rodgers desires. The board has long demonstrated a willingness to move players on if the price is right, and Kuhn’s future may be determined by both form and interest from clubs in Germany or beyond.
The club’s model of selling high and reinvesting smartly has paid off in the past. The likes of Jota, Van Dijk, Frimpong, and Tierney were all sold for big money, and though not all reinvestments worked out, Celtic have generally remained dominant in Scotland while turning profits.
Conclusion: A Summer of Transition and Opportunity
Celtic’s summer window could be one of the most important under Rodgers’ second spell. With Champions League aspirations and domestic dominance at stake, the need for a sharp, clinical striker and a high-quality wide player is obvious. Whether Kuhn stays or goes, Celtic fans will be expecting bold, decisive action — and a squad that’s ready to evolve.
How the board balances ambition with financial prudence will shape the club’s short- and long-term future, but one thing is certain: the next few months will be anything but quiet at Celtic Park.
Want a deeper look at any of the striker targets or thoughts on who’d be an ideal wide replacement if Kuhn leaves?