Lennon issues update on potential January departures

Neil Lennon has issued an update on the number of players he expects to leave the club this month.

Speaking to the media ahead of the return of domestic action this weekend, as Celtic make the short trip to Firhill in the fourth round of the Scottish Cup, Lennon revealed he is expecting “two or three” players to leave the club before the end of the month. 

Twitter: 🗣 NL on outgoings: “We’re hoping to get a couple of deals done this, players going out on loan or permanently. No u… https://t.co/hrOVjslX1G (@CelticFC)

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The Hoops’ transfer business thus far has been excellent in our view, with Patryk Klimala arriving at the club and Lennon expecting Ismaila Soro to complete his move in the “next few days.”

Twitter: 🎙 #CelticFC manager, Neil Lennon, addressed the media at Lennoxtown.

🗣 NL on Ismaila Soro: “I think a deal’s been… https://t.co/qsn6U5NR1H (@CelticFC)

Furthermore, Scott Sinclair has left the club while Lewis Morgan is also closing in on a move away. 

Celtic have therefore already signed two young and exciting players in our opinion, whilst offloading two players who were on the fringes of the squad, with Sinclair making just seven appearances this season while 14 of Morgan’s 18 appearances came as a substitute.

While we feel as though it’s unlikely there will be any further permanent departures, sending the likes of Lee O’Connor and Jack Hendry out on loan would also add to Celtic’s strong transfer window.

The former has not featured in the first-team this season following his summer move, while Hendry has made just one substitute appearance.

Therefore sending them out for some first-team experience seems a sensible decision in our view.