Revealing transfer targets is not the Ange Postecoglou way and the Celtic boss has never wavered during his wildly-successful 18 months in Glasgow.
And why should he? The 57-year-old's uncanny knack of unearthing gems means there's no reason for him to do his bidding in public. It's his modus operandi to bat away individual names, however, that doesn't mean the Postecoglou is keeping his Parkhead public in the dark over his long-term signing vision. His words over the past few weeks have been illuminating as he mapped out the next stage of his plans.
The Celtic manager, speaking to punters at the club's AGM earlier this month, said: "Aggressive in the transfer market – it could be unsettling with players in and out quickly but if you look at the models of clubs our size they’re very agile. Every couple of years they regenerate and move players out at the right time with improved players in. We need to push aggressively over the next two to three years, first qualifying and then making an impact.”
It ties in with his never stop mantra and his bold approach will likely see familiar faces depart in the coming windows to be replaced by the next batch of Parkhead heroes. And Postecoglou turned the transfer hype up by revealing he has a couple of signings lined up. Expect Vissel Kobe defender Yuki Kobayashi to be one of those but the Parkhead leader noted he's got his eyes on World Cup stars as potential arrivals.
But what names in Qatar could be on the list Postecoglou signing list? Record Sport looks at five players who fit the Celtic profile.
Sadegh Moharrami (Dinamo Zagreb and Iran)
The verdict of Moharrami is he's solid as a rock but that was put to the test amid the England mauling suffered on Monday. The 26-year-old right-back is vastly experienced and started all six of Dinamo Zagreb's Champions League games. Josip Juranovic is primed to attract significant transfer interest and Moharrami appears a player capable of hitting the ground running mid-season. And to add further intrigue Moharrami and Juranovic's stats over their past 50 games are almost identical in several key demands of a modern day full-back. Juranovic (36 per cent) is slightly ahead of the Zagreb man (35 per cent) when it comes to accurate crosses with both averaging 3.1 per game. Their passing rate is similar 84 per cent for the Iran international and 86 per cent for Juranovic. But Moharrami is the more consistent dribbler - averaging more than double of Juranovic since the start of the 21/22 season. Celtic have had a deft touch at securing stars with resale value but, perhaps, there's no need to risk on an unproven star to compete with Juranovic. He's contracted with Zagreb until 2025 and would unlikely to be cheap. But he appears a sound investment.
Key stat: Aggressive in the tackle, Moharaami averages three interceptions per game.
Song Min-kyu (Jeonbuk and South Korea)
A player who has been linked with Celtic in the past, Song Min-kyu probably fits into the Daizen Maeda category of a wide man who offers unique traits. If the Japanese international's calling card is his speed then Min-kyu's is his size. The 22-year-old is big and bulky and appears a more natural fit for playing through the middle. However, he has spent most of his career playing on both the right and left wing. Some would argue the current squad isn't far away from the "million wingers" mump Brendan Rodgers had when Marian Shved was signed back in 2019.
But take the right side in isolation and it's clear both Liel Abada and James Forrest do not possess the same physicality that Min-kyu brings. Sead Haskabanovic brings flair, of course, but the Jeonbuk man appears a heady mix of pace and power which would likely entice a clutch of European suitors. He absolutely loves a dribble and registered five, six and seven in his final three games before heading to Qatar. Don't expect silky skills but there's an understated effectiveness about the way he plays. He also wins more than 50 per cent of his aerial duels - an impressive stat for a wide man.
Key stat: He has a higher passer rating, better in tackles and creates more assists than Liel Abada.
Strahinja Erakovic (Red Star and Serbia)
Postecoglou made it clear ambition is what the next phase of his reign is all about. So how about investing a sizeable outlay in the type of player Champions League upstarts Brugge and Red Bull Salzburg have been spending money on in recent years? If continual improvement is the goal then Erakovic is the type of player who appears capable of challenging Carl Starfelt and Moritz Jenz to be Cameron Carter Vickers' partner at the heart of the defence. The 21-year-old can play both central defensive positions and is comfortable on the ball - as his eye-popping 89 per cent pass success attests. But there is force to go with the finesse and he has had three games this season where he has recorded 14 ball recoveries. He was the best player on the park in the 4-1 Europa League trouncing over Ferencvaros in October. Alfredo Morelos gave him problems in the Europa League last 16 in March, however, observers in Serbia are gleaming over a player on the rise.
Key stat: Erakovic has the most interceptions in the Serbian top flight this season.
Moises Ramirez (Independiente and Ecuador)
Ange is keeping a close eye but one potential option likely won't see the pitch. Moises Ramirez is a 22-year-old keeper who plays in his homeland with Independiente but he possesses a trait which every attack-minded team craves - he's an extra outfield player with a pair of gloves on. Ever wondered what the Ecuadorian Ederson looks like? Then check out Ramirez.
A proficient shot-stopper, of course, but his ability to start attacks and do what Joe Hart does by playing outside his box comes second nature to him. His heat map looks more like a sweeper than a keeper. He completes more than 90 per cent of his passes in games where he makes 50 passes. Ramirez is unique in the fact his rating is better in games where he has the ball more. A game-changer who will have suitors.
Key stat: Ramirez (77 per cent) has a higher shot saved percentage than Hart (62 per cent) this season.
Anthony Contreras (Herediano and Costa Rica)
It would be fair to say some countries produce certain types of players. And Contreras is the template Costa Rica forward. A buzz-bomb who doesn't stop from first minute to last. He is expected to be a key man for his country at the World Cup as they aim to replicate the success of 2014. He averages a goal every 2.4 games for club and country but that doesn't tell a story of a player who referees must be double checking for a jetpack when he is on the pitch. Keen and eager, he has been name-checked as the next Costa Rica star to head to Europe.
Key stat: He was hailed in his homeland after goals in consecutive games against El Salvador and USA helped Costa Rica reach the World Cup.
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