26 May 2026 12:15:34
I think everyone and his dog can tell at this stage that the rebuild needed is a mammoth task. Perhaps the biggest in recent memory. I have just had a look at our squad list and its probably more worrying the more you look at the full list. Its extraordinary out of a senior squad of approx. 40 players I can only see 10-11 players worth keeping for next season. And of these 10-11 players I think only 3-4 players are good enough to be in our starting 11. I know I shouldn't be but the amount of dross we need to get rid off and get rid off fast is scary.
Out of the loan players only Araujo and sarrachi would be deserving of returning. Both are decent back ups. I can't see either returning though.
Adamu, Cvancara and mvuka were all a waste of time. Young Arthur done ok but he likely won't be needed back.
Iheanacho and Oxlade I would like to see both offered another 12 months each on the basis they can prove their fitness over the summer. Both are experienced and can be decent squad players.
The following is a list of players that will hopefully move on as they are either past it, are in decline or have never been good enough to be at Celtic.
Schmeichel (long past it)
Ralston (great servant but will be 3rd choice now after AJ and Donovan)
Trusty (too inconsistent)
CCV (never fit)
Welsh (not good enough)
Murray (hasn't progressed as hoped)
Nawrocki (not good enough)
Inamura (not good enough)
Montgomery (not good enough)
McGregor (legend but best to move on)
Holm (not good enough)
Bernardo (looks disinterested. Shocking decline)
Hatate (1 good game every 10 simply not good enough)
Jota (will never be the same after injury. Very unfortunate)
Tounetki (could come good if works on end product. can't see it though)
Balikwisha (up there with worst signings in clubs history
Palma (not good enough)
Yamada (not good enough)
Both Forrest and McCowan will both stay as they have signed new contracts but Forrest is long past it and McCowan rarely offers anything. I feel both contracts were extended for eligibility reasons. I wouldn't be too upset if either moved on.
This leaves the following players worth keeping on next season.
Sinisalo (decent keeper. don't think good enough for Europe though)
Doohan (will do as 3rd choice)
Donovan (had a great debut season)
Scales (very useful player but we need better)
Tierney (had a good season. Surprised me how many minutes he played)
Engels (we should build this team around him. Will only get better)
Nygren (has a lot to work on but goals are invaluable)
Maeda (like engels we should be building this team around him)
yang (done ok. is improving)
Osmand (very inexperienced but huge potential)
Kenny (done really well on loan. still very young and could be decent backup)
I know Maeda is likely to leave and engels will also be wanted but I hope both stay on.
That's 20 players I have mentioned that will hopefully leave or will want to leave. 28 if you include the 6 loanees and both Iheanacho and Oxlade. With a squad of over 40 we need to get this down to between 25 and 30 which is standard. 40 senior players on the wage bill at one time is ridiculous and highlights further our recruitment failures.
This is all obviously very subjective and everyone will have their own thoughts and opinions on each player but I think we can all agree this rebuild needed is on another level.
On a final note, thanks to Ed and everyone that contributes to the site for what's been a quite remarkable season. Bring on next!
{Ed007's Note - Cheers DT mate ???
26 May 2026 13:03:16
Good post.
26 May 2026 17:17:19
DT let's hope we can make next season just a bit less frantic and less of a Cluster F *** in the middle.
26 May 2026 17:30:42
I can't disagree with your post DT, it's a big task to move so many players on but it's desperately needed, as is bringing in better players to the club.
Maeda's kids were apparently taken out of their school 4 weeks ago. Whether true or not, I personally believe that he's away.
We could make a ton of cash selling a load of the first team squad.
26 May 2026 22:31:38
Only 5 players for me are worth keeping.
AJ, KT, Nygren, Engels and Maeda - 3 will definitely leave and AJ likely if he does well in summer.
The rest are not worth keeping. Maybe Osmand can step up, looks more a player already than Kenny so at least we have a 3rd choice striker.