Securing the Future Beyond Cameron Carter-Vickers

Celtic must address Carter-Vickers' persistent injury concerns by retaining and developing Maik Nawrocki, while also seeking a robust long-term replacement to secure the club's defensive future.

The summer transfer window is often one of cautious optimism and strategic wheeling and dealing for football clubs. But for Celtic, as the new season approaches, a familiar concern casts a shadow over the club’s defensive plans - the persistent injury issues surrounding defender Cameron Carter-Vickers. While his quality is undeniable when fit, his recurring absences require a clear strategy for the club's long-term stability at the heart of defence.

Cameron Carter-Vickers has, since his arrival, proven to be a formidable presence in Celtic's backline. His strength, aerial prowess, and ability to read the game has been instrumental in the club's recent successes. However, the nature of his availability through injury has become a significant headache for the club. Relying on a player, no matter how talented, who is frequently sidelined, creates an vulnerability that Celtic can ill afford both domestically and in Europe. The club cannot afford to be caught short, particularly in the demanding schedule that we regularly deal with.

This brings the focus sharply onto Maik Nawrocki. Signed with considerable promise, Nawrocki's time at the club has been met with limited opportunities - as Brendan Rodgers prefers the likes of Liam Scales or Aaron Trusty on the left side of defence instead. However, with Carter-Vickers' fitness concerns, it is abundantly clear to me that Nawrocki must not be sold nor merely seen as a squad player but a vital asset to the team ahead of Rodgers’ favourites. He is more comfortable with the ball at his feet, he has shown in his limited opportunities that he is dependable and still has huge promise at the club. He represents an immediate, internal solution to the depth problem, and selling him would be a short-sighted move that will only deepen the existing fragility of our defence and the options available. The focus should be on integrating him into the starting eleven, building his confidence, and allowing him to demonstrate the qualities that prompted his signing in the first place.

Beyond Nawrocki, the pressing need is for a long-term successor to Carter-Vickers. This isn't to say Carter-Vickers should be immediately replaced, but rather that the club must plan for a future where his consistent presence cannot be guaranteed. This long-term replacement should possess a similar blend of attributes, but without the same injury record. The recruitment team must identify a player who can not only step into the first team when required but also eventually become the bedrock of Celtic's defence for years to come. This is a tough task and requires foresight, extensive scouting, and a willingness to invest in a player who can grow into the role - can that happen under Rodgers and our club’s hierarchy is the big question.

Any potential new signing would provide healthy competition and cover, allowing for a transition should Carter-Vickers' injury woes persist or worsen. It also provides the manager with greater tactical flexibility.

While Celtic are already four players deep into their summer transfer dealings, we must retain and develop Maik Nawrocki, but also simultaneously find a long-term quality centre-back who can eventually succeed Cameron Carter-Vickers. Failure to address these concerns now will leave Celtic vulnerable in crucial moments of the season, potentially damaging us both domestically and in Europe.