There are a few ways you can look at the a deadline day chaos back in the 2021 summer transfer window.
Many Celtic fans would say it was hugely successful given we managed to bring 3 players in the door. 3 players who would become integral assets to us over the course of the 2021/22 campaign. Indeed, the arrivals of Giorgos Giakoumakis, Jota, and Cameron Carter-Vickers sparked excitement amongst the Celtic support.
But another way you could look at it [the cynical way if you will], is that it was a close-call. Yes, we managed to bring in some new recruits, but imagine the state we would’ve been in had those fallen through at the last minute. Even if one of them never managed to get over the line, we could be going into the 2022/23 season without the “champions” tag.
Yes, the scale of the rebuild last summer meant that late signings were a necessary byproduct. But let’s not pretend it isn’t something Celtic hadn’t been doing for years. Waiting until the final moments of a window to get criticial work done. At times it’s worked out. In others it’s let us down.
Thankfully, however, this summer looks to be a totally different story. Celtic have officially wrapped up 5 summer deals in Daizen Maeda, CCV, Jota, Alexandro Bernabei, and Ben Siegrist respectively. They’ve gone and strengthened both the left-back and goalkeeping positions compared to last season.
Now, we find ourselves starting at another 2 months of the window left knowing the work that remains needing done isn’t substantial. In fact, we only really need to add in 3 more positions.
Celtic have moved quickly to ensure there’ll be zero panic next month
We’re not saying that Celtic will have all of their transfer work done by July 31st when the new Premiership campaign kicks off. In fact, chances are we’ll still need another 1 or 2 in the door even then.
But whe you look at Celtic’s current needs and wants, we can’t truly say they’re extensive. Another midfielder continues to be a priority to cover for the loss of Nir Bitton. Having someone fresh in that holding role could be crucial for Europe and our ability to stifle higher-quality teams.
Another centre-back and striker will also likely be on the agenda if there’s scope. However, should we see a renaissance from the likes of Chris Jullien or Stephen Welsh this summer then we can’t truly say we’re desperate.
In an ideal world, another 3 players would come into the club with several more departures as we try to get rid of the deadwood. But we now have an entire 2 months in the window to concern ourselves with that without having to worry about filling 3 or 4 other positions in the meantime.
Celtic are feeling the benefits of being prepared for the window once again, just like they did last January when they made their final signing 11 days before the window closed as Matt O’Riley came to town. It already looks as though we’re on course to do similar this summer.
As exciting as it is, repeating the hectic end we had to the 2021 summer transfer window isn’t something Ange will be keen on. And at this early stage, it looks inevitable that we avoid anything like it.
In other news, Vinicius Souza threatening to be the Celtic transfer saga we don’t need
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