Five Celtic players who could exit Parkhead in busy transfer window final stretch

Here, we look at five more players who could depart the Parkhead side before the end of the summer...

1. Albian Ajeti

The Swiss striker has struggled since his £5million move from West Ham two years ago. A lot.

After scoring in his first five games for the Bhoys during the 2020-21 season, he then picked up a hamstring injury that he never really recovered from.

He did receive a fresh start when Ange Postecoglou arrived last summer. However, it was quick to see he was not favoured.

Another hamstring injury virtually ended his season in December and he has yet to play a competitive minute since.

In terms of his next step, it does look likely to be away from Parkhead, given he has not even made the bench for either of the first two league games.

There has not been any concrete reported interest in the 25-year-old and - given he still has three years left on his deal - it could be the club has to settle for a loan deal.

2. Christopher Jullien

The French centre-back was an instant hit when he joined the Hoops in 2019.

He provided big moments during the season, which was halted due to the pandemic.

When football returned Jullien, like virtually every player during that period, struggled.

This was capped off when he severely injured his knee in a match in December 2020.

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That would be his last game until a substitute appearance against Raith Rovers in February 2022.

He did appear to be on his way to Bundesliga side Schalke on a loan-to-buy deal earlier in this window but that move collapsed at the last minute.

Even though he is in the last year of his deal it is perhaps becoming more likely, given his large wages, that if he does depart this summer it will now be on a loan deal.

3. James McCarthy

The first Postecoglou signing on this list, James McCarthy came in as part of a double announcement with Joe Hart last summer.

Unlike his fellow English Premier League counterpart, though, he has made a limited impact.

With not much more than a handful of appearances last season despite making 45 matchday squads, it has been clear to see that the former Hamilton man does not fit the system or really have the legs to play the game the way the manager demands.

Postecoglou has only good things to say about the Ireland international but nonetheless it appears a move away could be a possibility this summer.

Former Accies team-mate Alex Neil is reportedly interested in bringing the midfielder to Sunderland, a move former Celt Aiden McGeady has publicly said would be beneficial for him.

4. Mikey Johnston

The Celtic academy graduate has had a torrid time with injuries.

Given his debut by Brendan Rodgers during the invincible season, the winger was viewed as the next big thing.

However, he has struggled to keep fit and get a consistent run of games.

This has led to him only scoring three competitive goals in two years.

He has also failed to make the bench in either league game so far.

A loan move could potentially help him revitalise his career, with Ronny Deila's Standard Liege reportedly interested in him.

5. Josip Juranovic

This is the player on the list Hoops fans will be hoping not to lose.

The Croatian right-back was sublime during his first season at the club.

These performances, though, have apparently caught the eye of some of Europe's biggest clubs, including Atletico Madrid, Chelsea and Manchester United.

Whether there is much to these links remains to be seen but, ahead of a return to the Champions League group stages, Postecoglou will be desperate to keep the 26-year-old in his squad.

This piece is an extract from today’s Celtic Digest newsletter, which is emailed out at 4pm every weekday with a round-up of the day's top stories and exclusive analysis from The Celtic Way team. 

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