Celtic Transfer Latest: Brendan Rodgers Backed to Approve Key Exit to Fund Summer Double Deal
Celtic may have fallen short in their bid for a domestic treble, suffering a shock defeat to Aberdeen in the Scottish Cup final, but the mood around Parkhead remains largely optimistic. With the Premiership title and League Cup already secured, Brendan Rodgers is now fully focused on the summer transfer window and strengthening his squad for next season.
A major talking point emerging from the transfer rumour mill concerns German winger Nicolas Kuhn. Former Celtic player and club legend Peter Grant has suggested that Kuhn, despite his impressive individual campaign, could be the man sacrificed to help fund Rodgers’ ambitious summer recruitment plans.
Kuhn Exit Could Open the Door for Double Arrival
According to Peter Grant, Celtic’s manager is expected to “freshen up” his squad significantly over the coming months. Speaking on Go Radio, Grant revealed he believes Rodgers has already mapped out his summer strategy, and that the recent cup final loss hasn’t altered the club’s direction. He emphasized that Rodgers is always planning multiple windows ahead and that the upcoming summer presents a prime opportunity to make significant upgrades.
“I don’t think that’s changed anything—what Brendan was thinking prior to it,” Grant explained. “He knows what he needs. He’s always known that this window would be crucial. January is often difficult to make big moves, but the summer? That’s when you make progress.”
Grant believes that the wide areas are a particular area of concern and improvement for Rodgers. With former star Jota having moved on, there is now pressure to add greater quality and depth on the flanks. Despite Kuhn’s standout season—scoring 21 goals and supplying 15 assists—Grant suspects that the 24-year-old could be sold to fund two new wide players who may offer more consistency or fit Rodgers’ preferred style better.
“I think he will sell Kuhn for that and bring in another two,” said Grant. “It’ll definitely be two new wide men this summer. Brendan’s not one to sit still—he’ll use this opportunity to evolve the squad.”
Rodgers Open About Summer Changes
Rodgers himself has hinted that changes are inevitable. Speaking to the media recently, he acknowledged that while he’d ideally retain the current group and simply add a few key players, he expects turnover within the squad—both from outgoing transfers and new arrivals.
“Change will just naturally take place,” Rodgers explained. “If every player in the squad was staying, I’d probably only look to bring in three players of real quality. But that’s unlikely to happen.”
Rodgers anticipates interest in several of his players, given Celtic’s domestic success and improved performances in European competition. As a result, he’s preparing for possible departures and already identifying targets to replace them.
“Players who haven’t been playing much will likely move on. That’s the cycle. And it’s not a bad thing—it means we keep moving forward. This team has been brilliant, but it’s time to build the next phase,” he added.
Planning for the Future
Celtic’s recruitment strategy under Rodgers has always been carefully planned, and the manager’s comments suggest he’s determined to enter the new campaign with a stronger, more refined squad. That means building around key pillars while trimming any excess and bringing in players who can make an immediate impact.
With Champions League football once again on the horizon, the Parkhead hierarchy knows the team must be competitive on all fronts—not just in Scotland, but in Europe too. Rodgers is believed to want more pace and unpredictability in his attacking options, and the sale of Kuhn—if it happens—could be seen as a way to refresh those positions with new, perhaps more dynamic signings.
Though nothing is confirmed yet, the logic behind such a move is clear. Kuhn, signed from Rapid Vienna, has proven his worth in Scotland, and there may now be clubs willing to pay a significant fee for his services. Should Celtic decide to cash in, that money could be immediately reinvested into two new attacking threats, possibly from outside the UK.
Natural Departures Expected
Rodgers also made it clear that while no one will be forced out, he understands that some players may wish to seek more playing time elsewhere—particularly those who were on the fringes this season.
“It’s good that we’re in a position to have to make these decisions,” said Rodgers. “You don’t want to be too comfortable. Players should always want more, and we as a club must continue evolving to meet our ambitions.”
As of now, no names beyond Kuhn have been strongly linked with an exit, but several fringe players and loanees could be among those heading for the door. On the other hand, multiple new arrivals—particularly in attack and midfield—are expected.
What’s Next for Celtic?
With pre-season on the horizon and the transfer window due to open soon, the pressure is now on the Celtic recruitment team to back Rodgers in the market. Given the club’s resources and recent success, fans will be expecting more than just squad depth—supporters will want headline-making additions capable of pushing the team further on the European stage.
Should Kuhn leave, it will mark a significant shift in the club’s wide options—but it could also be a statement of intent from Rodgers that good is not good enough when the goal is to dominate domestically and make a serious mark in Europe.
For now, all eyes are on Parkhead as Brendan Rodgers prepares to reshape his squad for another title charge—and perhaps, more.