‘Absolutely brilliant’: Pundit says Celtic may look to cash in on ‘mercurial talent’ this summer

Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers will be keen to enact a squad reshuffle in the summer transfer window as he continues to build a side in his image.

Rodgers already decided to trim his squad in January somewhat, allowing the likes of David Turnbull, Yosuke Ideguchi and loanee Nat Phillips to find alternative destinations.

Mikey Johnston, Marco Tilio and Hyeokkyu Kwon have been sent out on loan for the rest of the campaign, which has helped to alleviate some of the bloating in his group present over the first portion of the campaign.

On a different token, decisions will need to be made on whether to acquire loanees Adam Idah and Paulo Bernardo permanently; however, this probably won’t happen until later down the line.

One outlet in Ireland has claimed that in Idah’s case, he may be attainable come the summer for a fee in excess of £3 million.

Conversely, Bernardo’s option to buy is locked in at around £6 million, and opinions on the prospect of the Portugal Under-21 international joining for good are likely to be split down the middle among the support.

Generating financial power from player sales may be able to help Rodgers fulfil his wishes once the summer market rolls around.

Pundit says Celtic loanee Mikey Johnston may leave permanently

Since joining West Bromwich Albion on deadline day, Republic of Ireland international Johnston has gone on to be an exciting addition at the Hawthorns Stadium, netting twice in his opening six matches [Transfermarkt].

Pundit Carlton Palmer has been blown away by his impact at the Baggies, labelling the 24-year-old a ‘mercurial talent’ who they could look to land on a permanent deal this summer.

Palmer explained [Football League World]: “One of the players that is making an impression is Mikey Johnston, who they signed from Celtic in the January transfer window. He’s come in, he’s a mercurial talent, he’s 24 years of age, and he’s done very, very well.

“The West Brom supporters are really pleased with him, and there’s a clamour to sign him permanently. He is doing very, very well at West Brom; there are some suggestions from previous managers about his attitude and the way he trains.

“But he’s been absolutely brilliant at West Brom, and so I’m sure, depending on which division West Brom are in next season, they’ll be looking at whether they could bring Mikey into the football club.

“And they might be able to get him as a bargain, and it might be good business.”

Celtic selling Mikey Johnston may be best for both parties

Despite his evident quality, Johnston has failed to deliver in a Celtic jersey consistently, and the prospect of a new start away from the club may be positive for his career.

Granted, there is a player there; however, he fell down the pecking order in the first half of the season and needed to get out and showcase his abilities away from the pressures of Parkhead to avoid stagnating.

The Boys could command a decent fee for his services if he continues to shine, which may be a route that appeals to both parties in this case.