Barry Douglas and Christian Atsu go nowhere on deadline day; Celtic reportedly held talks about both

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Christian Atsu and Barry Douglas – two players Celtic reportedly held talks about this summer – failed to bag deadline day moves.

Sports World Ghana reported at the start of September that Celtic had enquired about Newcastle United winger Atsu. The Daily Mail, meanwhile, said back in August that the Hoops had held talks with Leeds over Douglas.

In the end, neither would arrive in Glasgow or indeed anywhere else. Celtic would end up going for AC Milan’s Diego Laxalt on loan to cover Douglas’ left-back position, whilst the Hoops chose not to strengthen at right-wing – a position Atsu would’ve added depth.

However, both men could still find moves yet. The EFL transfer window, which involves the English Championship down to League Two, is now open for another 10 days and shuts on October 16th at 5pm.

Should either move, it would likely put an end to any potential Celtic move in January.

Celtic fans won’t be concerned about missing out on either

Atsu and Douglas have their traits, and perhaps could’ve even made a positive impact at Celtic. However, when you look through our squad after the window closed last night, you’ll do well to find an area that really needs bolstered.

Given Neil Lennon’s preferred formation is a 3-5-2, Celtic now have two solid options down both flanks. In Atsu’s position, we have both James Forrest and Jeremie Frimpong. Even though the former is out for a period of time, Frimpong won’t be getting displaced any time soon.

Down the left side we now have Laxalt and Greg Taylor. The latter may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but it’s important we don’t forget that he’s managed five direct goal contributions in 12 appearances this season (Transfermarkt). Having two for either flank is enough.

Besides, if Celtic bagged Atsu or Douglas on loan, they wouldn’t have wanted to come to a club where they would be second or third choice for the most part. It also wasn’t a necessity for the Hoops to bag them permanently either given the money we already splashed out this summer.

Looking through our squad, you simply have to be satisfied ahead of a colossal fixture list that includes derby games, European ties, a cup semi-final, and hopefully a final before the end of 2020.

Celtic have given us plenty of reasons to be excited with their work this summer. Yes, we can always do more and add to certain areas, and Atsu and Douglas are perhaps two players who would’ve added something. But it’s hardly reason to complain after a fine summer window.

In other news, a goalkeeper Celtic reportedly wanted to pay 50% of his wages for has made a big move to England.