Celtic could be facing another frustrating setback off the pitch, with reports suggesting a promising young defender is set to leave the club for Liverpool.
At a time when the Hoops are already navigating a turbulent season, the potential departure of another academy talent only adds to the growing list of concerns heading into the summer.
A difficult season for the Scottish champions
It has been a challenging campaign for Celtic. The club may soon have to reflect on their recent title success as Hearts continue pushing toward what would be a shock Scottish Premiership triumph.
The managerial situation alone highlights the uncertainty around the club.
Since the end of Brendan Rodgers’ reign, Celtic have experienced a chaotic sequence on the touchline. Martin O’Neill returned as interim boss, Wilfried Nancy endured a short and troubled spell in charge, and O’Neill was brought back once again to steady the situation.
With so many changes behind the scenes, the upcoming summer window is shaping up to be a crucial moment for the Parkhead hierarchy.
Recruitment, squad rebuilding, and appointing a long-term manager will all be key priorities if Celtic are to regain control at the top of Scottish football.
Transfer rumours already building
Speculation around potential arrivals is already gathering pace.
Recent reports have linked Celtic with a move for Claudio Braga, one of the figures credited with playing a role in Hearts’ impressive campaign this season. Meanwhile, former Hoops striker Robbie Keane has also emerged as a managerial candidate.
Keane has impressed during his time with Hungarian side Ferencvaros and is reportedly attracting attention from both Celtic and Tottenham.
His record of 44 wins, 13 draws and 14 defeats suggests a manager still building momentum in his coaching career.
Whether the 44-year-old opts for a return to Scotland, a move to England, or decides to remain in Hungary remains uncertain.
Dara Jikiemi chooses Liverpool
While Celtic explore potential additions, they may already be preparing for an unwanted departure.
According to TeamTalk, highly-rated young defender Dara Jikiemi has decided to join Liverpool. The youngster is expected to sign a professional contract with the Premier League club when he turns 17 on January 9 next year.
The move would see Celtic lose one of their promising academy players before he has the chance to break into the senior setup.
A familiar frustration for Celtic
The loss of Jikiemi would represent more than just a squad setback.
On the pitch, Celtic would be losing a defender who many believed had the potential to develop into a first-team option in the coming years.
Off the pitch, the club are also missing out on the significant transfer fee they could have commanded if the player had signed a professional contract and continued his development in Glasgow.
Had Liverpool moved for the defender a year or two later, Celtic might have been able to negotiate a substantial transfer fee instead of watching him leave on a scholarship deal.
Echoes of previous departures
The situation also mirrors previous academy losses.
Celtic saw Ben Doak depart for Liverpool in 2022, and the Scotland international later secured a high-profile move to Bournemouth worth around £25 million.
Similarly, the Hoops lost Daniel Cummings to West Ham United last summer under comparable circumstances.
Each case raises the same concern: Celtic are struggling to convince some of their most promising young players to commit their long-term futures to the club.
A growing issue for Parkhead chiefs
With the club already planning a major reset this summer, retaining emerging talent could become a key focus for the leadership at Parkhead.
Amid managerial uncertainty, squad changes, and growing competition domestically, ensuring that academy prospects see a clear pathway into the first team may prove just as important as any new signing.