Celtic’s recruitment strategy has been spot-on for years and remains a major factor in the club’s sustained success. While the decision-makers at Celtic Park don’t always follow the fans’ calls to sign high-profile players, they’ve consistently found value in identifying lesser-known talents and turning them into standout performers.
As the summer transfer window approaches, all eyes will be on who Brendan Rodgers decides to bring in. The Celtic boss has long emphasized the need for a third striker, especially after Kyogo Furuhashi’s departure in January left a void that wasn’t filled. Fortunately, Daizen Maeda has stepped up in Kyogo’s absence, finding form and stepping up his game significantly.
That said, it’s expected that Celtic will pursue a new striker with some pedigree this summer. During a recent episode of Open Goal, featuring Tony Watt and others, the panel floated the idea of Hearts striker Lawrence Shankland becoming Celtic’s third-choice forward.
Shankland tipped as Celtic’s potential third striker
With Lawrence Shankland’s contract expiring this summer, he’s expected to leave Hearts on a free transfer. While there was some debate among the Open Goal panel—with Paul Slane and Andy Halliday suggesting Shankland could be a strong option for Rangers—others, like Watt and Si Ferry, saw him as a possible fit for Celtic.
“For me, Rangers have to go for him,” said Slane. “Shankland’s a quality player. He hasn’t been at his best this season, but if he’s on form, he’d be a great addition.”
Halliday echoed the sentiment, noting: “If he’s available for free and you get him on the right deal, it’s a no-brainer.”
Watt questioned whether Rangers could meet Shankland’s wage expectations and turned the conversation toward Celtic: “Celtic probably do need another striker, don’t they? Kenny’s not getting any game time. Shankland’s scored 25 goals—bringing someone like that in wouldn’t be the worst idea.”
Ferry agreed, suggesting Shankland could be a solid third option for Rodgers.
A look at Shankland’s recent form
Last season, Shankland was on fire, netting 31 goals in all competitions in one of his best-ever campaigns. But his form has dipped this year, with Hearts struggling overall—failing to secure a top-six finish and suffering a semi-final defeat in the Scottish Cup to Aberdeen.
Despite his goal-scoring track record, Celtic fans are unlikely to embrace Shankland as a first-team solution. Even as a backup, many in the fanbase would likely prefer seeing youth prospect Jonny Kenny given more opportunities.
