Celtic are aiming to bring in some fresh bodies before the window closes following a slow few months in the transfer market.
By deliverance, Paulo Bernardo, Kasper Schmeichel and Viljami Sinisalo have arrived at Parkhead, but activity has been scarce elsewhere that is known in the public domain.
Between a rock and a hard place, Celtic don’t want to just sign anyone offered to them to fill up valuable slots. Nevertheless, time is now of the essence to bulk out the squad, which is a position that can be just as treacherous.
Despite some grumblings, the saving grace is that the personnel Brendan Rodgers has available to him at Lennoxtown are carrying out his instructions with aplomb so far, adding a comprehensive victory over Kilmarnock on the Scottish Premiership opening day to their strong pre-season showing.
Signings aren’t everything, that much is true, though the new Champions League format is soon to present some elite European opponents you can ill-afford to be under-equipped against.
Celtic’s potential late window transfer flurry
It is early August and Celtic have just over three weeks to complete their business, and there could be potential for a flurry of activity in the latter stages of the transfer window.
Names have cropped up during the market period that would address several positions, falling on their sword in time. Either way, one area where there hasn’t been too much chatter despite its importance is left-back, where Greg Taylor is the only senior option on the books at Parkhead.
Step up Owen Beck, a familiar name to Celtic supporters following the club’s failed attempt to land him in January. Liverpool could make a decision on his future this week in light of the Hoops’ and QPR’s interest in the Wales international, and are said to be exploring all avenues available to themselves.
Potential loan deals are beginning to emerge as an avenue Celtic could utilise this month. Wolverhampton Wanderers’ defender Hugo Bueno and Southampton midfielder Shea Charles have been mentioned.
Lately, Brighton & Hove Albion youngster Facundo Buonanotte has also cropped up on the Bhoys’ transfer wishlist. Reports say he is another target on a loan basis, though competition from Southampton and the fact he is ‘expected’ to stay in England may complicate proceedings.
One man unlikely to join is Royal Antwerp winger Michel-Ange Balikwisha. The 23-year-old has sustained an injury that could’ve ended his chances of a summer switch from the Jupiler Pro League outfit.
Hammarby hotshot Bazoumana Toure has been scouted by Celtic. Nevertheless, he isn’t someone you’d expect to join this window as he continues his development in Sweden.
Finally, the deadlock situation between Adam Idah, Celtic and Norwich City remains intact. The Republic of Ireland international was booed off by a small segment of Canaries fans in a pre-season friendly against St Pauli after he reported late to camp.
The Bhoys haven’t returned with another bid as we speak, but his predicament will have to be resolved in the coming weeks. Hopefully, Rodgers can land his man after making it crystal clear to the board that he is the man he wants to help spearhead the attack.
Receive a digest of our best Celtic content each week direct to your mailbox
