The For Sale signs are being hung around clubs across the country as the January transfer window prepares to become ajar.
Celtic’s exit door will loom for several of their fringe men and a couple of bit hitters could also be part of an exodus next month as boss Ange Postecoglou prepares to clear the decks – the first-team squad boasts 27 bodies – for the new faces which have recently been recruited. Yuki Kobayashi and Alistair Johnston are the latest new faces to join the champions, arriving from Vissel Kobe and CF Montreal respectively.
It's thought another midfielder is on the wanted list as well as the Hoops look to capitalise on their nine point cushion over Rangers at the top of the table. Record Sport has run the rule over a host of Hoops players who could be heading out of the club in the coming weeks with some being sold to bring in cash and others leaving after becoming surplus to requirements.
Josip Juranovic
A sizeable queue is forming for the Croatian who’s added a few more pounds to his valuation after being a huge hit at right back for his country at the World Cup. Whether Record Sport columnist Chris Sutton’s price tag of £25million will be realised remains to be seen Canada international Alistair Johnston has already been recruited to replace Juranovic as Celtic aim to cash in on a player who is still under contract until the summer of 2026 but Torino and Atletico Madrid both in the hunt.
Giorgos Giakoumakis
The Greek striker is believed to be unhappy about the terms offered to extend his current contract to 2026, and could be tempted by a move next month as clubs prepare to make their move for the 28-year-old. A life-changing move to Saudi Arabia is a possibility with clubs in England and Germany are also thought to be keeping a close eye on a player who’s regarded as the most natural finisher in the Hoops squad. Celtic’s abundance of attacking options could see them do business if the price is right but the loss of a hitman with a genuine physical presence will also need to be factored in.
Yosuke Ideguchi
The midfielder has managed just one start since signing from Gamba Osaka, and finds himself way down the pecking order after six competitive appearances totalling 150 minutes for the Hoops and has seen sporadic run-outs from the bench.
An ankle problem sustained during a Scottish Cup win over Alloa last season derailed his time in Glasgow and he’s expected to make a return to the J League after failing to emulate the success of fellow countrymen Kyogo, Reo Hatate and Daizen Maeda. Ideguchi has been something of an invisible man after failing to be listed in Postecoglou’s 25 player list given to UEFA for the Champions League.
James McCarthy
Linked with a move to Stoke City back in September, an exit appears on the cards for a midfielder who’s been a bit-part squad player since arriving as a free transfer, signing a 4-year contract last summer. With 272 appearances in the Premier League, most recently at Crystal Palace it’s been a frustrating stint with his boyhood heroes. Six appearances including, a Champions League runout against Red Bull Leipzig, have failed to convince boss Ange Postecoglou to find a regular start for the 32-year-old who needs a kickstart to his career in pastures new.
Liam Scales
Celtic have a recall option for the 24-year-old who’s been a huge success during a loan spell at Aberdeen who are hopeful to have the Irishman until the rest of the season. Dons boss Jim Goodwin has spoken of attempting to land the versatile defender on a permanent deal and that could accelerate a January exit.
Stephen Welsh
After claiming only six starts in the current campaign, the 22-year-old is an outside bet for a move elsewhere. Celtic rejected a loan move from Serie A side Udinese for the defender who still has plenty to prove that’s capable of being a long-term fixture in the side.
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