There are some problems that Celtic have not been able to solve for years now. One of them is failing to integrate a quality defensive midfielder into the squad. Oftentimes, it has felt like they lack steel and control in the middle of the park when up against tough teams. Yet, that area of weakness has remained as is.

That does not mean that Celtic have not signed any defensive midfielders. In fact, quite a few names come to mind immediately.

Ismaila Soro had a starting role in the team for a brief while under Neil Lennon. Tomoki Iwata also played a decent bit for Brendan Rodgers. The Oliver Abildgaard signing never really worked for Ange Postecoglou. But ultimately, no defensive midfielder has been able to settle in and have a consistent role at Celtic.

It looks like the club might be ready to try their luck again. And a German defensive midfielder is now on their radar.

According to TEAMtalk, Celtic are prepping a move for Eric Martel. The German midfielder's contract at FC Koln expires in June 2026. He has attracted attention from abroad, with the Glasgow giants being the most notable.

Martel is believed to have a transfer valuation of around €8 million. So, if Celtic are able to sign him as a free agent, it would have to be considered a major coup.

He is a regular starter in the Bundesliga and would add some much-needed side to this Celtic midfield.

Also, one cannot overlook the fact that quite a few Celtic midfielders could be headed for the Parkhead exit door this summer, which would open up spots in the roster that would need filling.

Reo Hatate has really stepped up his game in recent weeks. But in the summer, the Japanese midfielder is widely expected to leave the club. At that point, he would have spent four-and-a-half years at Parkhead, and he has been linked with a move away for a good portion of it, although it has never materialised.

Paulo Bernardo is also someone whose playing time has drastically decreased. One has to imagine that he would not be satisfied continuing to sit on the Celtic bench, and could look for a way out when the transfer window opens.

A £25 million offer was believed to have been on the table for Arne Engels in the winter. Celtic resisted it and stopped him from leaving in the middle of the season. Will they do the same if a similar bid arrives in the summer?

Then there is the situation of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain. He is believed to be the highest-paid player in the Premiership. Celtic have the option to extend his contract by a year this summer. Will they take it up?

All things considered, the Celtic midfield could look vastly different next season with plenty of exits and arrivals. Martel could be a part of that revamp.

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