Celtic have been quiet in the transfer window and could face a hectic last few days in the hunt for late incomings.
Nicolas Kuhn has come in for £3 million and is the only arrival to have walked through the Parkhead entrance this month.
However, there is every chance the former Germany Under-20 international could be joined by a couple of additional bodies by the deadline.
Rumours aren’t exactly widespread regarding who could be next, though Bologna striker Sydney van Hooijdonk’s name continues to do the rounds as the Hoops seek reinforcements in attack.
Retaining key players has also become a priority for Brendan Rodgers, evidenced by the fact that Cameron Carter-Vickers put pen to paper on a new five-and-a-half-year contract after an unnamed club from Qatar tried to acquire the United States international.
Matt O’Riley was also the subject of a failed bid earlier in January from La Liga giants Atletico Madrid. Despite this, Rodgers has since confirmed that he will remain at Parkhead for the remainder of this term [Sky Sports].
Joe Hart pleased that Celtic will retain O’Riley and Carter-Vickers
Making sure you keep hold of your best players is always important, especially when you factor in the reality that Celtic are currently embroiled in a title race.
Joe Hart shares the same sentiment and believes that retaining O’Riley and Carter-Vickers is a ‘powerful’ statement of intent from the Scottish champions.
Speaking about Carter-Vickers’ contract renewal and the rejected offer for O’Riley, the former England international stated [The Herald]: “Powerful moves, powerful moves. Cam is a top player, and he is loved here, rightly so, for the performances he puts in.
“He does it away from prying eyes as well, he is a top professional. I knew him from Tottenham and he is a pleasure to play with.
“I’m the other side of the Cameron and Matt O’Riley situations and I’m pleased about that because I can just focus on playing football.”
Celtic need to do more than just protect key assets
Protecting your key assets is great; however, the need for further depth in certain areas at Celtic couldn’t be more apparent after their close shave against Ross County last weekend.
Kyogo Furuhashi is the only senior striker available for the Hoops at the moment due to Hyeongyu Oh and Daizen Maeda being away at the AFC Asian Cup.
Despite featuring for the entire match, the Japan international recorded just 16 touches during proceedings.
In truth, Rodgers needs another option to mix things up offensively when the 29-year-old is crowded out in the box.
Alexandro Bernabei deputised at left-back due to Greg Taylor’s absence; nevertheless, he didn’t cover himself in glory on a rare occasion where he was selected to start for the Bhoys.
Both positions need to be strengthened and the final days of the window will be highly anticipated by Celtic supporters.
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