Celtic could look to sign a player similar to former captain Scott Brown in the summer transfer window, according to Frank McAvennie.
The Lowdown: Key summer for Hoops
The Hoops have enjoyed a wonderful first season with Ange Postecoglou at the helm, winning the Scottish Premiership title as well as clinching Scottish League Cup glory.
The key now is for the Hoops to keep building on their current success and create a dynasty under Postecoglou akin to past glorious periods at Parkhead.
For that to happen, new signings will be required in the summer transfer window, especially with Champions League football returning to Celtic Park in 2022/23.
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The Latest: Pundit makes transfer claim
Speaking to Football Insider, McAvennie claimed that the Hoops need to sign a dominant, tough midfielder similar to Brown this summer:
“I think Celtic are missing a hardman in that midfield. Someone in the mould of Scott Brown. Someone who everyone hates playing against but you love having in your team.
“I thought James McCarthy was going to be that guy but he hasn’t really had a look in this season. If I was going to pick one place to improve, that’s what I would do.
“I know we have a lot of midfielders and there will be a lot of competition there next season. But I just think a new Scott Brown-like player would just give us that edge against some of the better teams in Europe.
“Someone who will rattle the opposition if they get on top. That’s what we need.”
The Verdict: Tough man needed?
Mills makes a good point, in fairness, with Celtic arguably missing an influential midfielder like Brown was for so many years, bossing battles in the middle of the park and adding that bit of gamesmanship in difficult situations.
The likes of Tom Rogic and Callum McGregor are strong technical players but there arguably isn’t a true leader in midfield – someone who takes games by the scruff of the neck.
It is certainly an area of the pitch that could be looked at by Postecoglou, with an enforcer allowing others around him to express themselves while he does the dirty work.
In other news, a pundit has predicted an imminent Celtic signing. Read more here.