Brendan Rodgers will assess his Celtic squad in the summer and is likely to carry out a reshuffle ahead of the 2024/25 campaign.

Several individuals are set to return to Lennoxtown upon the expiration of their loan deals, which will only add to the dilemmas the Irishman has to mull over once the transfer window opens for business.

Mikey Johnston, Hyeokkyu Kwon, and Marco Tilio are three names likely to prompt discussion; meanwhile, Sead Haksabanovic is reportedly available for roughly £2.2 million following an inconsistent spell at Stoke City.

Another loanee who will return to Lennoxtown for pre-season is Republic of Ireland Under-21 international Bosun Lawal, who enjoyed a productive time at Fleetwood Town despite suffering relegation.

Excelling in his new-found midfield role, the 20-year-old racked up 46 appearances across all competitions for the Fisherman, registering six goals and two assists [Transfermarkt].

Now, he has posted an emotional farewell message on Instagram as he gets set to make his Celtic comeback, indicating he is now ‘stronger’ as a player for the experience.

Interest in his services is also growing for next term, with Queens Park Rangers, Portsmouth and Derby County all set to battle it out for the former Watford youth.

Carlton Palmer discusses Bosun Lawal’s Celtic future

Lawal may face a conundrum this summer, with several avenues open to continue his development away from Celtic.

Previously, indications have suggested that the Bhoys are happy with his progress at Fleetwood; however, time will tell regarding whether that will be enough for Brendan Rodgers to offer him an olive branch in pre-season.

Speaking via Football League World, former England international Carlton Palmer has indicated that another loan may be the best course of action for both parties to maximise his development moving forward.

He stated: “A host of clubs are interested in Celtic’s Republic of Ireland prospect. One of the teams that are leading the race is QPR, but Derby and Portsmouth have already registered their interest in the young player.

“He’s still under contract with Celtic for a while, until 2026, and Brendan Rodgers has already said he wants him to come back into the fold to have a look at him in pre-season. He’s been out on loan this season and been exceptional with Fleetwood Town. We know they are in a lower-quality league to what Celtic are playing in, so it will be interesting to see what he’s like in pre-season.

“Recruitment is important for Celtic, with them getting it wrong in the recent past, so it’s important that they get that right this summer, but Rodgers clearly wants to have a look at him as well to see where he is. Going from League One to playing for Celtic in European football is a completely different level, so the likelihood is that he goes back out on loan.

Later on, Palmer added: “I think Derby may be a great move for him. Paul Warne is excellent with young players and gives them opportunities, and will get his head in the right place.”

Bosun Lawal is an exciting prospect at Celtic

Undoubtedly, Lawal has a bright future in the game and could turn out to be a first-team regular for Celtic in years to come.

Per Sofascore, the 20-year-old took on an average of 1.2 shots per game, created six big chances and made 1.9 tackles alongside 2.9 clearances per match in Sky Bet League One, demonstrating his versatility in the engine room.

For now, we will need to wait until pre-season to find out where his immediate future lies at Celtic; nevertheless, he is a promising talent that could be ready to make the transition into Rodgers’ senior squad.

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