The lasting memory of Celtic’s January business will be what didn’t occur despite two arrivals coming through the door at Parkhead.
Nicolas Kuhn and Adam Idah have both come in to strengthen the Bhoys’ forward line, though our failed pursuit of a left-back ended the window on a sour note.
On deadline day, unfruitful advances were made to try and land Paris Saint-Germain defender Layvin Kurzawa and Wolverhampton Wanderers man Hugo Bueno on loan; meanwhile, Owen Beck and Tiago Araujo were heavily linked as potential options to no avail.
To make matters worse, Alexandro Bernabei has since left the club to join Brazilian giants Internacional on loan, leaving Greg Taylor as our only option with senior experience on the left-hand side of defence.
In the case of former target Bueno, there have been recent reports suggesting the Bhoys could return for his signature in the summer, and it may be worth exploring this possibility if the viability of a potential deal stands up to scrutiny for Celtic.
Hugo Bueno links with Celtic fail to disappear
Signed for a paltry £3,000 for Wolves from Spanish minnows CD Areosa back in 2019, Bueno has been more than value for money at Molinuex, making 40 appearances in all competitions for his current employers, registering a goal and an assist [Transfermarkt].
According to TEAMtalk, the 21-year-old was open to the possibility of joining Celtic in the winter, and is keen on moving to an environment where he can amass regular minutes if he isn’t able to achieve that at Wolves.
Per Sofascore, the Vigo-born man has done the basics well in his limited exposure to Premier League football this term, recording an average of 2.1 ball recoveries and 1.2 successful tackles inside 14 appearances.
Before the international break, Bueno scored his only goal for the Old Gold in their FA Cup quarter-final tie at home to Coventry City, showing composure to slot past Bradley Collins to put his side 2-1 up late on in proceedings, as can be seen below.
Nevertheless, Wolves did go on to lose the game 3-2 in dramatic fashion, missing a golden opportunity to book a passage to Wembley.
One notable feature of the Spain Under-21 international’s game is his capacity to whip the ball in at speed. Despite only starting four English top-flight matches in 2023/24, Bueno has delivered six successful crosses and on a separate note, he has fashioned four chances for his teammates [Fotmob].
Initially a winger, Wolves sporting director Matt Hobbs praised his adaptability last year to adjust to a new role on the left-hand side of their backline.
He stated [Wolves official website]: “Since joining us as a 16-year-old number 10, the work that Hugo and the coaches have put into changing his position, and the acceptance he had of doing that, shows what a good pro he is.
“To be able to get his head around a new position and develop at the rate he has was incredible.”
Standing at 5ft 11in, the 21-year-old has also successfully performed 15 shot-creating actions this term, driving forward to offer an attacking threat from the flank [FBRef].
Given his age, Bueno is in the infancy of his career, and a move away from the West Midlands, on loan or permanently, may substantially benefit his development.
Celtic are in need of a left-back, and deciphering previous reports, his situation may be one to keep an eye on over the coming months.
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