Celtic’s transfer dealings have been a major success in the past year with a huge turnaround in players. So much so, that many thought it would have taken longer for players to settle in and gel. However, a Celtic squad consisting of mostly fresh faces has silenced the doubters, walking away with a league winner’s medal to show for their efforts. Although, many bright starts to life at the Parkhead club happened this season, next season could be the year where many take their game to a whole other level.

Reo Hatate

The Japanese midfielder arrived as part of a trio of signings with fellow countrymen Daizen Maeda and Yosuke Ideguchi. Praise was heaped on the 23-year-old who has notched up some impressive performances in his short time at the club, with some big goals to his name already. Notable goals include the double against Rangers and his blistering effort from long range in a vital win away to Heart of Midlothian. However, many felt as the season progressed Hatate began to look fatigued, but for the remainder of the season he continued to be a pivotal member of the squad. Coming off the back of a full season playing for Kawasaki Frontale in Japan and then slotting into Ange Postecoglou’s high intensity style of play would take a toll on even the fittest of athletes. With a well needed rest over the summer and a full preseason with his teammates on the horizon, many believe we have yet to see the best of Hatate.

Hatate during Celtic’s Scottish Cup semi-final against Rangers at Hampden (Image: Getty)

Matt O’Riley

With the many great performances registered by the 21-year-old in the latter half of the season fresh in the minds of fans, the inclusion of him on this list may raise eyebrows. However, despite an electric start to life in Glasgow, many feel that he will only continue to get better under Ange Postecoglou. The £1.5 million fee to secure his services from MK Dons in January was fast made to look like a masterstroke. He has adapted to life at the Scottish champions seamlessly and chipped in with energy in midfield as well as some big goals and assists. With the departure of Tom Rogic this summer, it is a chance for O’Riley to make the position his own and nail down his place as one of Celtic’s biggest assets, as the squad continues to build towards the future. With his young age and what he has shown so far, it would be a fair assumption to say that there will be a lot more of O’Riley next season.

O’Riley chases the ball in a Scottish Premiership clash against Heart of Midlothian (Image: Getty)

Greg Taylor

Greg Taylor is a player who has split opinion during his time in Glasgow where inconsistency has plagued his time at Celtic for the most part. However, in the latter stages of the season, he began to win over the support with important performances as Celtic looked to close out the league campaign on their quest to reclaim the title. Although the left-back position is widely agreed as somewhere for more depth moving forward, many have been happy with Taylor’s turnaround of late. With Taylor there has been a few false dawns in which fans thought a new page had been turned, however, next season could be his chance to prove himself even more. A player who many had written off has shown that he has more to give to this Celtic team and will fight to keep his place in a growing squad.

Three Players who Could Kick on at Celtic Next Season