One of the biggest talking points of deadline day for supporters was the idea that Celtic needed an addition at left-back.
The Hoops had yet to sign a proven upgrade on Greg Taylor heading into deadline day. The lack of cover meant that new right-back Josip Juranovic had to play there at Ibrox last Sunday too – our biggest game of the season domestically.
However, the window closed with three other positions having been strengthened. Celtic added to their centre-forward ranks with Giorgos Giakoumakis, whilst signing up Jota and Cameron Carter-Vickers to boost their defensive and left-wing options respectively.
As for a left-back? There was nothing. Celtic decided to press ahead with what they have at present. Any idea of an upgrade similar to what Juranovic brings on the right quickly dissipated.
Many fans will therefore be asking one question. Why?
Celtic already have four options at left-back; it just doesn’t seem like it
Celtic are actually much better covered at left-back than it seems at face value. Whilst Greg Taylor has played 10 of our 11 competitive matches this term, there are several other options available.
Adam Montgomery made his Celtic debut towards the end of last season and impressed. He’s been given as many as seven substitute appearances this term. He particularly shone in Alkmaar against AZ too, and it’s clear Postecoglou wants to continue his development at Celtic Park.
Not to mention that Celtic actually have signed a left-back in this window – Liam Scales. Many will question whether he’s an upgrade on Taylor given the 23-year-old has played all of his games in his homeland of Ireland. There are question marks as to whether he can deal with the step-up, but he deserves the chance to prove himself first and foremost.
And then you have the fact that Boli Bolingoli is still on the Celtic books. It’s unclear as to whether the Hoops tried to shift him or not. The Scottish Sun reported on deadline day that Celtic were gauging the interest in him and a couple of others. In the end, however, he remained in Glasgow and is still a potential option.
Throw in the fact Juranovic can play there if necessary, and you have five left-back options currently still with the club. Some will argue that we have quantity over quality, but that hasn’t been proven yet. Not until we see how Montgomery develops and whether Scales can cope with the step-up.
For now, however, it’s clear why Celtic didn’t sign a new left-back. They have plenty of options there already that need testing.
In other news, Celtic missing out on Ali McCann makes absolutely no sense at all
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