Three potential summer signings for Celtic have emerged as Stephen McGowan lifts the lid on transfer plans

Trusted Celtic journalist Stephen McGowan has identified three players on the club’s radar as preparations begin for what could be a defining summer at Parkhead.

McGowan, widely viewed by supporters as one of the most reliable voices on Celtic over the past two decades, claims Danish striker Kasper Hogh, Go Ahead Eagles playmaker Jakob Breum, and Belgian goalkeeper Jari De Busser are all among the names being monitored by the club’s recruitment department.

Celtic’s interest in Breum and Hogh is not entirely new. Both players have been linked with the Scottish champions before, while De Busser is Breum’s teammate at Dutch side Go Ahead Eagles. Previous attempts to sign Breum in January reportedly failed after Celtic were unable to agree terms with the Eredivisie club.

Speaking to Dutch outlet Algemeen Dagblad, Go Ahead chairman Jan Willem van Dop suggested Celtic’s approach lacked urgency compared to rivals Rangers, who moved quickly to secure Oliver Antman.

“Celtic showed some interest in Jakob Breum, but we felt the gap between us was too wide,” Van Dop said. “Things moved very quickly with Oliver Antman and Glasgow Rangers. Celtic could have taken a leaf out of Rangers’ book.”

The comments sparked debate among supporters already frustrated with Celtic’s recent recruitment strategy. Many fans believe the club’s decline began following the sale of Kyogo Furuhashi, pointing to underwhelming transfer business despite domestic silverware.

Although Celtic secured two trophies, concerns remain over performances both at home and in Europe. Failure to qualify for the Champions League group stage proved costly, while a disappointing Europa League campaign ended with a heavy 4-1 home defeat to Stuttgart. Domestically, standards also slipped, with points and goals down from the previous season and eight league defeats recorded during the 2025/26 Premiership campaign.

According to McGowan in The Herald, the incoming permanent manager will immediately be tasked with approving a transfer shortlist assembled by Celtic’s recruitment team since January.

Hogh remains a major target after impressing for Bodo/Glimt, with his value increasing following standout Champions League performances against elite opposition including Manchester City, Atletico Madrid and Inter Milan. The 25-year-old striker has also made a strong start to the Norwegian season, scoring five goals in nine matches since April.

Breum, meanwhile, continues to be watched closely after Celtic’s failed January bids. Go Ahead Eagles are reportedly open to selling the 22-year-old this summer, with a fee in the region of £4 million believed to be enough to tempt the Dutch side into negotiations.

De Busser has also emerged as a potential option between the posts, especially with uncertainty surrounding Celtic’s goalkeeping situation. Veteran stopper Kasper Schmeichel is out of contract and facing a lengthy spell on the sidelines, increasing the need for reinforcements.

Despite Celtic having the financial power to complete all three deals, significant transfer movement may have to wait until a new manager is officially appointed. Any incoming player is expected to want clarity on who will be leading the club before committing to a move to Glasgow.

Alongside new signings, the next manager will also need to assess several returning loan players, including Stephen Welsh, Maik Nawrocki and Luis Palma, while decisions are also required on out-of-contract figures such as Kelechi Iheanacho and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.

With big decisions looming and supporters demanding improvements in recruitment, this summer could prove crucial in shaping Celtic’s future direction.