Celtic could be set to enjoy a recruitment upper hand in the upcoming summer transfer window, according to former Rangers manager Alex McLeish. 

The lowdown: Instant impact

Appointed at Parkhead following the departure of Neil Lennon in June 2021, Postecoglou's time in Glasgow has been nothing short of sensational so far.

Winners of the 2021/22 Scottish Cup and having regained the Scottish Premiership, the Hoops are on an upward trajectory under the 56-year-old Greek-Australian.

Much of the improvement at Celtic Park can be underpinned by Postecoglou's smart recruitment that saw the likes of Liel Abada, Jota, Carl Starfelt and Kyogo Furuhashi flourish last term.

The latest: Ange's advantage

Speaking to Football Insider in reaction to the Bhoys being linked with a move for the Manchester City duo Ko Itakura and Taylor Harwood-Bellis (Sky Sports), McLeish suggested that the former Yokahama F. Marinos bosses' connections to the City Group could stand the club in a strong position this summer.

The Rangers TV pundit said: “It is good, of course, that you have close relationships. We saw with Ange Postecolgou, he brought some players in who ran their socks off for the manager and for Celtic.

“They ended up with great dividends, winning the league. You would think that the relationship they have is one where Postecoglou is the chooser rather than the recruitment guys that seem to have big say in loads of other clubs.

“You can see, all day long, that Postecoglou’s mark is on that Celtic team last season. It’s very much like Liverpool as well, who have got relationships with other clubs in Europe. The Porto signing, Diaz, was magnificent.”

The verdict: Exciting times

Fresh off the back of returning to the summit of Scottish football and with it securing Champions League group stage action next season, Celtic are in a strong position on and off the pitch heading into the transfer market.

Albeit a major overhaul isn't expected to take place at Lennoxtown, arrivals and departures seem inevitable as Postecoglou continues to put his stamp on the squad whilst likely raiding the Japanese market once again, a process that would be aided immensely by the capture of either or both Harwood-Bellis and Ikatura.

Moreover, the financial boost given by confirmed Champions League participation should allow Celtic to enter an improved market, perhaps also helping to confirm the capture of loan stars Cameron Carter-Vickers and Jota.

In other news, a journalist has provided a key Celtic transfer update. Read more here.