Celtic missed out on the domestic treble earlier this month, losing on penalties to Aberdeen in the SFA Cup final at Hampden Park.
The Hoops had previously won the Scottish Premiership and League Cup, but they were unable to add a third trophy to their collection against the Dons.
Rendan Rodgers may want to go all the way next season despite failing to win the treble in his first two years back at the club, and he might do so by upgrading his squad during the summer transfer window.
With that in mind, here’s the ideal starting lineup Rodgers might put together to take on the 2025/26 season when they return later this year…
Kasper Schmeichel
Starting in goal, Kasper Schmeichel should remain Celtic’s number one next season, at least for the time being, following a solid debut campaign, despite his own goal in the SFA Cup final.
The former Leicester City custodian kept 24 clean sheets in 49 appearances after signing from Anderlecht on a free transfer last year.
Alistair Johnston
Celtic should look to maintain Alistair Johnston at right-back this summer, despite reports of interest from English clubs Ipswich Town and Fulham, after he scored four goals and supplied 10 assists in the Premiership this season.
Cameron Carter-Vickers
Cameron Carter-Vickers, who was named to the PFA Scotland Team of the Year for the second consecutive year, should be a regular in the defence next season.
The enormous central defender has the right-sided centre-back position nailed down, and it should remain that way.
Liam Scales
In contrast to the right side, the left-sided centre-back position is up for debate, with Auston Trusty, Maik Nawrocki, and Liam Scales all vying for it. Scales, on the other hand, finished the season as Rodgers’ first choice, despite Trusty and Nawrocki being healthy and available, implying that he will enter preseason as Carter-Vickers’ clear partner.
Kieran Tierney
Left-back is another position that should be evident. Kieran Tierney is joining on a free transfer from Arsenal and should be the first choice in that part of the pitch when fit and available.
During his first tenure at Celtic, the Scotland international recorded 37 assists in 170 games, indicating that he might provide a significant creative outlet down the left wing for the Scottish giants next season.
It is unclear whether Greg Taylor, who is out of contract this summer, will return to Parkhead next season, thus Tierney is presently the only senior left-back who is assured a spot in the team.
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