Managing Celtic as Premier League striker joins and Kasper Schmeichel shipped out

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Celtic find themselves in an unusual position this January following the return of interim manager Martin O'Neill. They are currently second in the Scottish Premiership, six points adrift of soaring Hearts and level with city rivals Rangers in a fierce fight to retain their league title.

The arrival and subsequent departure of Wilfried Nancy after just 33 days at the helm sparked further rage among supporters, with six losses in eight matches. Now, Hoops legend O'Neill is back in the hot seat and will be assisted by former Celts Shaun Maloney and Mark Fotheringham in this month's transfer window.

So, who can the reigning champions target to strengthen their squad for the run-in?

It has never been more evident that Celtic need a striker - and quickly. With the departures of Adam Idah, Kyogo Furuhashi and Nicolas-Gerrit Kuhn, the Hoops lost players who netted a combined 53 goals last season.

To put that into context, the entire Celtic team have scored 39 goals in the 2025/26 campaign. Johnny Kenny and Daizen Maeda have been the go-to strikers so far - with Kelechi Iheanacho out due to injury - and they have managed just 13 goals between them.

This is arguably the most crucial position to strengthen in January, and David Datro Fofana could be the solution to Celtic's problems. The 22-year-old forward joined Chelsea in 2022 but failed to make his mark, going on loan to Union Berlin, Burnley, Goztepe and most recently, Fatih Karagumruk.

Celtic had their sights set on the striker in the summer after failing to secure Kasper Dolberg, but the young forward initially chose to join Charlton Athletic. However, that deal fell through at the last minute, and Fofana found himself in Turkey instead.

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The striker is seeking stability, regular game time and an ambitious club, making the Hoops a perfect fit. West Ham's out-of-favour star Callum Wilson and Roma's Evan Ferguson have also been linked, but Fofana is the top choice considering his form and age.

Assistance is also needed on the wings, with Maeda alternating between centre forward and left wing for most of the season. Jota will be sidelined for an extended period, according to O'Neill, who doesn't anticipate the fan favourite returning to the pitch this season.

FC Basel winger Philip Otele has been identified as a target as the attacker trains separately from his current squad to reduce the risk of injury.

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Sporting director Daniel Stucki confessed that the club anticipated Otele's exit last summer and has received "many tentative inquiries" for the 26-year-old.

Red Bull Bragantino winger Nacho Laquintana and Hapoel Petah Tikva's Jocelin Ta Bi have also been linked, but interest has waned recently.

Another area demanding a new face is between the sticks, where veteran goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel has endured a tough time this campaign. The 39-year-old has shown glimpses of his old self since O'Neill's comeback against Dundee United and Falkirk, yet his difficulties throughout the season remain undeniable.

So far, the Danish international has shipped a staggering 39 goals, with 18 of those arriving during Nancy's spell in charge at Parkhead. Whilst the experienced keeper initially appeared to be a decent signing, his contract expires in the summer, and an extension appears unlikely.

Deputy goalkeeper Viljami Sinisalo has impressed supporters during his limited opportunities for the club, conceding merely seven goals whilst recording five clean sheets across 11 appearances.

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However, the BBC reported that Manchester City outcast Stefan Ortega might arrive following the Premier League club's capture of Gianluigi Donnarumma and James Trafford.

Ortega's deal expires at the season's conclusion, meaning he would be obtainable on a free transfer in the summer or for a reduced fee immediately. Yet Italian media sources have claimed that Genoa are "strongly targeting" a swoop for the German.

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