How Celtic Can Prepare for Champions League Qualification

Despite the slip-up against St Johnstone, Celtic are still just two league wins away from lifting the title, and Brendan Rodgers will have one eye on next season despite what he may say in his press conferences.

UK bokmakers have Celtic as the runaway favourite to win the league and cup, and Daizen Maeda as the favourite to finish top scorer. However, next season’s odds could be interesting, with Celtic set to add some new faces to the squad and the blue half of Glasgow set for investment.

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One thing that Celtics fans might worry about is how the club will progress in Europe next year. The new Champions League format undoubtedly benefited the club, but next year, the club will have to compete in qualifiers for the tournament.

The return of Kieran Tierney will be a massive boost for Rodgers if he can keep the full-back fit.

European qualifiers always come at a bad time for Scottish clubs, with many potential competitors already having started their season and having a settled, fit team.

Most managers talk about taking things one game at a time, and his priority will be winning the league before competing in the cup. However, he will know that qualification for the Champions League is massive for the club’s finances and stature.

The club will face a two-legged tie for qualification to Europe’s elite club competition, with teams like Ludogorets Razgrad, Sturm Graz, FC Basel, Slovan Bratislava, and Qarabag as potential opponents.

While Celtic would be fancied to progress against these teams, there are no longer easy draws in Europe, and the club’s struggles in knockout ties in European competition should not be ignored.

The return of Kieran Tierney will be a massive boost for Rodgers if he can keep the full-back fit. There is no doubt about his ability, but his inability to remain injury-free for a prolonged run of games is what derailed his Arsenal career. He is also likely to be a top earner, so Rodgers will have to ensure those wages are going towards someone who is playing regularly.

Celtic will be hopeful of a decent transfer fee that dwarfs what they paid for the midfielder.

There has also been recent talk of a return to Celtic for Kyogo and Matt O’Riley, who would add quality to the team.

Kyogo has endured a torrid start to his French career, and Rennes could be open to a cut-price deal, like that of Jota, to see the player return to Scotland.

Brighton will still be hopeful that O’Riley can become a key player for them, but his injury during his debut derailed his start at the club. They could be open to a loan deal that sees the player return to form.

Reo Hatate has been linked with a move away from the club, and if he does move on, Celtic will be hopeful of a decent transfer fee that dwarfs what they paid for the midfielder. If he is to move on, a £4 million move for Motherwell’s Lennon Miller could be on the cards.

The talented youngster would be available at a fraction of what they receive for Hatate, and his value could rocket as he is exposed to European football.

Rodgers might be in the market for a more long-term goalkeeping solution despite Craig Gordon, Joe Hart, and Kasper Schmeichel’s recent successes. A veteran goalkeeper usually provides a safe pair of hands, but the Danish star is already 38 and not getting any younger.

Next season promises to be a big one. Rodgers will have to ensure the team is ready and firing on all cylinders when the season starts to give the club the best chance of banking the millions available from Champions League qualification.