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da pixbet： Celtic look certain to lock up their eighth consecutive title this season, but where do the Bhoys need to strengthen the squad in the summer?
Celtic scraped past Dundee at Dens Park on Sunday, as Odsonne Edouard’s late goal was enough to secure all three points and move ten points clear at the top of the league.
Neil Lennon’s side were far from perfect though, and despite dominating possession they have Scott Bain to thank for not falling behind when Scott Wright raced through on goal for the hosts.
It is clear that the club has some work to do in the summer, especially if they are to finally convert their domestic dominance into some semblance of European success, so where are they most in need of upgrades?
1. Right-back
The first priority is clear for all to see – the Bhoys need a reliable right-back.
It’s no use having one of the best young full-backs in Europe on one side of the pitch if the other flank is exposed at every opportunity.
Mikael Lustig is quite simply past it, Cristian Gamboa has never really been good enough, and Jeremy Toljan has not done enough to secure a permanent deal when his loan ends in the summer.
Former Wigan & Fulham man, Jimmy Bullard recently showed that he’s still got it! Check out the video below…
2. Centre-back
Again the focus is on the defence, and the club will have to move quickly to replace Dedryck Boyata, assuming the Belgian does indeed leave the club when his contract expires at the end of the campaign.
Kris Ajer is not ready to step in and be the main man, Jozo Simunovic is inconsistent, Filip Benkovic will likely be too expensive to sign permanently, and let’s not even get started on the catastrophic performances of Jack Hendry.
Celtic need a physically dominant centre back with genuine leadership ability to guide what will likely be a new-look and youthful defence.
3. Centre-midfield
There is certainly an argument that the club needs more wingers, assuming loan signings Tim Weah and Oliver Burke return to their parent clubs, but a proper spine through the team is essential to make any noise in Europe.
Scott Brown is a club legend, but the 33 year-old is not mobile enough to continue being the main man in Europe, and Oliver Ntcham was woeful before his injury.
It’s time for a mass overhaul at Parkhead – out with the old and in with the new.
If the club makes the right decisions, based on logic rather than sentiment, then the likes of Brown and Lustig should be nowhere near the first XI next season.