Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers could have his work cut out this summer as he looks to trim excess fat from his squad at Parkhead.
On numerous occasions this term, the Irishman has cited a desire to cut down numbers in the group, and claimed that his ideal squad size would sit at the 25-man mark, with three goalkeepers to supplement the outfield 22.
Intriguingly, Rodgers has also signalled that bit-part fringe players could become a thing of the past at Celtic as he looks to build the foundation for youth products to jump from the academy to receive senior opportunities at the reigning Scottish Premiership champions.
He stated earlier this year: “Everyone talks about signings and bringing people in, and I always say that you might have someone within your academy, but you need to have the space for those players to flourish and develop.”
Nevertheless, he has several decisions to make on his existing pool of individuals, including those who will return from loan destinations this summer.
Without further ado, 67 Hail Hail take a look at three loanees who could still have a future at the club under the 51-year-old.
Bosun Lawal could make a break for the Celtic first-team
Republic of Ireland Under-21 international Bosun Lawal has spent the 2023/24 campaign on loan at Fleetwood Town, enjoying a productive campaign from a personal standpoint despite suffering relegation.
Thriving in his new-found central midfield role, the 20-year-old registered six goals and two assists in 46 appearances in all competitions for Charlie Adam’s men across all competitions.
The former Scotland international has previously offered up high praise to the Dublin-born man, claiming he has every requisite quality to become a Celtic first-team regular.
Adam said earlier this year: “He’s a top talent, but hopefully, with the journey we’re on and the support that we can give him, he goes back to Celtic next season, and he goes and competes for a position because I believe he’s got the right credentials to be a Celtic player.”
Regarded as one for the future, Lawal also has interest in his services from Derby County, Queens Park Rangers, and Portsmouth, leaving Rodgers with a decision to make on his future this summer.
Mikey Johnston’s Celtic future remains up in the air
Despite being a bit-part player under Rodgers in the first half of this term, Mikey Johnston has undergone a major revival since joining West Bromwich Albion on loan in January.
Per Transfermarkt, the tricky winger has notched seven goals and solitary assist in 17 outings for the Baggies, and he could help his side land a Sky Bet Championship play-off berth depending on results in England’s second-tier this weekend.
Winning the Championship Player of the Month Award for March, Celtic manager Rodgers has refused to rule out the 25-year-old re-entering the fold at Lennoxtown come 2024/25.
Praising his exploits in the Midlands, the Irishman explained: “I said it before, he’s one of the best talents to come out of the academy. He’s quick, he’s direct and he can score goals. For him to go there and get that award – with some outstanding players in the Championship – it shows you how well he’s done.
“Hopefully, he can continue with that and come back to Celtic in the summer and be really energised again and full of confidence and be ready to make an impact.”
From the depths of obscurity, Johnston may still have a route back at Celtic, though we will need to wait and see what transpires.
Hyeokkyu Kwon could be a midfield wildcard for Celtic
Last but not least, Hyeokkyu Kwon’s positive spell out at St Mirren has proved to be a worthwhile exercise in ensuring the summer signing has been able to acclimatise to Scottish football.
Unfortunately, he has been ruled out for the rest of the season with a hamstring injury, though the South Korea Under-23 international has been a smash hit at the SMiSA Stadium inside his nine appearances.
Per Fotmob, Kwon has won 29 duels, 60% of his aerial tussles and recorded a pass accuracy of 79.5% on Scottish Premiership duty in Paisley, illustrating his combative nature in the engine room.
Stephen Robinson is keen to extend his stay at St Mirren and has already made advances; nevertheless, could he be a wildcard option for Celtic once pre-season rolls around?