What to expect from Celtic on deadline day

By Euan Davidson

August 31, 2021

So, then: another frantic day for Celtic fans, with transfer deadline day upon us.

What was once a day for particularly committed football fans is now an international event. Where Celtic are concerned, it’s the chance to fill some gaps in Ange Postecoglou’s squad.

Although the season has started promisingly overall, Sunday’s defeat at Ibrox showed that this squad isn’t quite there yet. Constant speculation over some big names – not least Odsonne Edouard – will surely come to a head, too.

What can we expect from Celtic on this summer deadline day, then? Let’s round this up before we launch into a particularly wild Tuesday.

Big deadline day Celtic sales

Odsonne Edouard already has one foot out the door. The formerly talismanic Frenchman has divided opinion for over a season now, and with his contract running out next year, a move seems inevitable.

Barring a last-minute change of heart, it seems Crystal Palace are the destination. Patrick Vieira’s side are in need of goals, and the Telegraph’s John Percy reckons Vieira is looking to Edouard to provide just that. Confirmation on that should follow in due course.

Another big name, Ryan Christie, looks to be in his way too. Burnley have been keen longer-term, but Bournemouth look to have provided “late drama”, according to journalist Alan Nixon.

Leigh Griffiths, meanwhile, is wanted by Dundee. It also seems relatively likely that Celtic will look to spark interest in Boli Bolingoli and Vasilis Barkas, neither of whom are anywhere near first-choice left-back or goalkeeper respectively.

Deadline day incomings for Celtic?

Benfica youngster Filipe Jota looks to be on his way. A medical was booked yesterday for the Portuguese winger, who could be a perfect Christie replacement. At just 22, Jota spent last season on loan with Real Valladolid in La Liga.

Elsewhere, Georgios Giakoumakis should be confirmed by the club today. In a rather drawn-out saga, the Greek striker with 26 goals last campaign was also wanted by Qatari sides as well as Werder Bremen. Fortunately for Celtic, he looks to have picked a move to the Bhoys.

In terms of what else Celtic want, a centre-back is surely top of the list. After striking out with Ko Itakura and – reportedly – Ben Davies (again), a loan for a centre-back looks relatively likely [Daily Record]. The market can change quickly, but don’t be surprised to see Postecoglou mine the Premier League for young centre-back.

As far as loan deals go, that might not be it. It wouldn’t be a shock if Celtic were to pursue another right back, for example. Despite Josip Juranovic coming in, he debuted on the left of defence against Rangers, to decent effect.

As ever, 67 Hail Hail will keep you updated on any deadline day movement in, or out of Celtic Park. Expect a busy one.

Read more: The bizarre UEFA decision fans won’t be pleased with