Lack of Celtic loan deals hopefully a positive sign

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Celtic have made three transfer signings so far this summer, and there are not any loan deals in sight as of yet.

The Hoops have instead splashed out £7million on Christopher Jullien (Scottish Sun), and £3million on Boli Bolingoli-Mbombo (The Herald). That’s not counting the small fee we provided Bolton for the signature of Luca Connell (BWFC).

The spending of whatever is in Peter Lawwell’s war chest is a refreshing sign this summer. And it’s hopefully a sign that we’re now finally trying to properly build a team for our 10-in-a-row push.

Last season, Brendan Rodgers brought in Filip Benkovic, Daniel Arzani, Oliver Burke, Jeremy Toljan, and Timothy Weah on loan. That’s four players we’ve had to try and replace this summer and one in Arzani that will also need replacing next summer.

Fortunately, Marian Shved, Jullien, and Vakoun Issouf Bayo are ready to take some of those spots. Right-back remains the priority, but we’re currently reportedly close to landing Tommy Smith of Huddersfield (Scottish Sun).

If that gets done, that would be our fourth consecutive summer signing that isn’t a loan deal. And there’s no denying this is a positive for the club.

Loan deals leave us needing work done in the long-term

The loan signings under Rodgers has left plenty of work needing done in his subsequent two summers after taking over. It’s robbed us of the chance to properly build a side ahead of 10-in-a-row.

Lennon, of course, is hardly a stranger to a loan signing himself. He made a plethora of them during his time at Hibs. In fact, Hibernian manager Paul Heckingbottom has today stated that he had too many loan players brought in by Lennon when he arrived (Edinburgh Live).

And sure, if the deal is there to be done and it’s a top-quality player, then, by all means, go for it. Benkovic, for example, was a top centre-back and put in some tremendous displays for us. Weah, meanwhile, injected some energy into our side at a vital time of the season.

But in the long-term we’ve suffered for it. It’s effectively led to a huge revamp needing done to the squad this summer. And, so far, Lennon appears to have avoided going down that route.

Celtic have yet to have been linked with a single temporary signing that they’ve taken action on. It finally looks as though the club could be looking to build as opposed to putting bandages on the cracks.

Of course, there’s no confirmation that Lennon won’t sign another loan player this summer. As mentioned previously, they have their worth. But, thankfully, it looks as if we can rule out three, four, or five coming in at the one time this year.