Celtic Transfer News: Potential Exodus as Six Players, Including James McCarthy, Eye January Departures --

In a late-window development, sources have revealed that Celtic could see six more players leaving the club before the end of the January transfer window, marking a potential exodus from Parkhead.

The Hoops are reportedly open to permanent offers for Gustaf Lagerbielke, Alexandro Bernabei, James McCarthy, and Rocco Vata. Additionally, there is a possibility that defender Yuki Kobayashi and forward Marco Tilio might leave on loan for the remainder of the season.

Of particular interest for Celtic is offloading James McCarthy, given the financial burden of his £30,000-a-week contract. The former Everton and Crystal Palace midfielder has faced persistent injury setbacks, last making a senior appearance for the club in October 2022.

This potential departure follows the recent exits of four senior stars from Parkhead. Nat Phillips saw his season-long loan from Liverpool cut short, Yosuke Ideguchi left permanently for J1 League side Vissel Kobe, Adam Montgomery was recalled from Fleetwood Town but loaned to Motherwell, and Hyeok-kyu Kwon departed on loan to St Mirren.

Despite these changes, Celtic maintains a strong position at the top of the league, boasting an eight-point lead over second-place Rangers. Their next challenge comes in the form of the Scottish Cup against Buckie Thistle on Sunday, January 21.

As the January transfer window approaches its conclusion, the potential departure of six players underscores Celtic’s strategic approach to squad management, aiming to maintain their lead and success in the ongoing season.