If and when Ange Postecoglou is announced as the new manager of Celtic, he will have a huge job on his hands in the transfer market.
The Hoops are in danger of losing defensive stalwart Kristoffer Ajer to England or Germany while star striker Odsonne Edouard could also flee Parkhead.
He seemingly has a deal wrapped up to reunite his relationship with Brendan Rodgers at Leicester but that hasn’t been formally announced yet.
What’s the word?
Crucial to Postecoglou’s success will be finding a new striker. We know Celtic don’t have a bottomless pit of money so they will have to be shrewd in the window.
One way of being just that will be to sign players who are out of contract in the summer.
According to Ghana Soccer Net, the Bhoys are interested in securing the services of Andre Ayew, who will be available on a free transfer this summer.
The attacker is currently under contract with Swansea City but his terms in Wales expire at the end of the month.
Ayew was a target under Rodgers but now the Hoops are seemingly casting their eyes towards him again.
Edouard successor?
The Ghanaian might be the wrong side of 30 but there is no denying his fabulous ability to find the back of the net.
Edouard scored 22 goals this term and has been Celtic’s top scorer for three years in a row so if he does leave, finding a replacement is absolutely necessary.
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Ayew would presumably only give the Hoops a couple of years of service but despite his age, he seems to be improving.
The striker has a relentless never-say-die attitude that saw him score 17 goals last term, taking his tally in Swansea colours to 47 strikes.
The 2020/21 campaign was his best for attacking numbers, usurping the 16 occasions he beat the goalkeeper during the 2019/20 season.
With that in mind, it would appear that Ayew is getting even better as time goes on. Described as “brilliant” by Swans manager Steve Cooper, his professionalism could be incredibly beneficial for the players coming through at Lennoxtown.
Speaking earlier this year, Cooper commented: “We know he has the ability, he can be as good as anyone in the league and he can play at a higher level.
“But the fact he is showing the commitment and work-rate he is, means it is rubbing off on everybody. It is certainly motivating me to see a player so committed to what we are doing.”
For a new manager to arrive and instantly insert a player like that into his team would give everybody a lift.
His experience is fabulous and would surely be game-changing for young players like Karamoko Dembele.
Celtic are at a stage where they need to welcome younger players into the first-team but it’s impossible to ignore a player of Ayew’s talents.
In winning three aerial duels per match, he is a physical presence in attack while his 1.5 dribbles per game dictate that he can beat defenders in a technical capacity too.
The Ghana international has everything needed to succeed in the Scottish game. He'd be a very good short-term replacement if Edouard does leave, as is expected.