The January transfer window is just about in view for Celtic. Despite being in terrific recent form, there are certain areas the club must strengthen in this winter.
It’s a notoriously hard month to buy in, but Celtic have reason to delve into the post-Christmas sales this time around.
It is looking increasingly likely that Dedryck Boyata will at least sign a pre-contract agreement with another club.
Although Brendan Rodgers has not closed the door on Boyata’s future, his ‘strike’ in the summer may have sealed his Celtic fate.
Celtic must do all they can to ensure a quality centre half is signed to replace Boyata. Even if he stays until the summer, his replacement should already be at the club by then.
Celtic used the January transfer window last year to sign Marvin Commper and Jack Hendry. Commper has managed less than 90 minutes as a Celtic player.
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Hendry is still very much a work in progress, but it is unlikely he will reach the heights that Boyata has managed.
Filip Benkovic will almost certainly return to Leicester when his loan deal ends in the summer.
After spending £13m on him, it is unlikely the Foxes will let him stay at Celtic post-summer 2019.
It is imperative that Celtic do not repeat the mistakes they made last January.
They did try and prepare for the summer with their signings, but got it horribly wrong.
Even if Boyata signs a new deal, a centre half must be high on Rodgers’ shopping list. We’ve seen how quickly Boyata can change his mind regarding his future.
Last but not least
Another item on Celtic’s January transfer wish list should be a goalkeeper. Craig Gordon has been an excellent signing for the Bhoys.
However he is in his fifth season, and Celtic should have one eye on the future. Scott Bain has shown himself a capable deputy, but he doesn’t seem the long term solution.
Celtic need a goalkeeper that strikes fear into their opposition strikers, like they used to have in Artur Boruc and Fraser Forster.
A return for them may not be ideal, but a goalkeeper in their mould would be most welcome.
Celtic are in great form domestically, but they must start preparing for January now.
Execute correctly and they’ll put themselves in a great position to qualify for the Champions League again next summer.