Celtic have missed out on re-signing double-winner Kelechi Iheanacho, with the striker agreeing to a three-year deal at Turkish side Bursaspor.
The 29-year-old scored nine goals in all competitions for the Scottish champions despite missing much of the campaign through injury, and established himself as a fan favourite following his arrival from Sevilla last summer.
Manager Martin O’Neill was eager to bring the former Leicester City hitman back to Glasgow next season, with the player also reportedly open to talks over a return.
However, Bursaspor — playing in Turkey’s second tier — swooped in on Friday to get their man.
The move comes after Celtic chief executive Michael Nicholson last week admitted the club are struggling to attract players this summer.
Speaking at the annual general meeting of the Association of Irish Celtic Supporters Clubs in Cork on July 4, Nicholson — who was joined by chairman Brian Wilson and boss O’Neill — took part in a Q&A session with supporters, and discussed the difficulties involved in competing with teams from the English Premier League and Championship.
Nigerian forward Kelechi Iheanacho scored nine goals in all competitions for Celtic last season
He added that the club are actively trying to sign out-of-contract players, an admission which will likely add to the growing levels of frustration within the fanbase now that Iheanacho has slipped through their grasp.
Celtic have added just one new player to the squad this summer, with Colombian forward Camilo Duran joining from Qarabag last weekend, while Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain has agreed to extend his stay in Glasgow for another year following a successful short-term deal last season.
O’Neill has made no secret of the need to strengthen the side over the coming weeks, and has repeatedly backed the board and recruitment team to come good, but has also acknowledged that potential departures must be factored in to any decisions going forward.
Bids are expected for Japan World Cup star Daizen Maeda, with the attacker recently stating that he would like to test himself at a higher level, while countryman Reo Hatate’s Celtic future is unclear following an up-and-down campaign.
The club are also braced for interest in 22-year-old midfielder Arne Engels, with Nottingham Forest reportedly ready to improve on their £25million bid for the Belgian back in January.
Celtic take on Championship outfit Middlesbrough at Celtic Park this afternoon as their pre-season plans ramp up ahead of the new season, with Serie A giants AC Milan coming to Glasgow on July 25 before the defence of their Premiership title gets under way against Dundee on August 3.
