‘Been told’ – BBC man’s half-time Celtic transfer update during Kairat Almaty game that will infuriate fans

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Celtic fans are still reeling from the disappointment of the Champions League exit to Kairat Almaty.

Brendan Rodgers looked despondent in his post-match press conference as he searched for reasons for Celtic’s exit from UEFA’s top competition.

The long and short of it is that Celtic should have been good enough to get through this tie but weren’t and the board didn’t do enough to strengthen the squad in the lead up to the big Champions League play-off fixtures.

However, during half-time in Celtic’s stalemate with Kairat, BBC man Brian McLaughlin delivered a transfer update that will at least offer respite, but also anger, the Parkhead support.

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Celtic to sign ‘at least two players’ with Michel-Ange Balikwisha and Marcelo Saracchi on way

Celtic’s pursuit of Michel-Ange Balikwisha is coming to an end this week, as is the loan signing of Marcelo Saracchi.

However, it seems that these two won’t be the only players coming to Parkhead.

McLaughlin told BBC Radio Scotland, “There’s going to be a couple of new arrivals coming into Celtic Park in the next couple of days.

“A deal with Royal Antwerp from Belgium for striker Michel-Ange Balikwisha. He’s 24 years old. He’s a striker. He’s signed on a permanent contract. The fee, around about £4.5-£5m.

“I have been told that it should be concluded within the next couple of days. They’ve also agreed a deal with Boca Juniors for their left back, Marcelo Saracchi.

“Now, the 27 year old from Uruguay has spent time in Germany, Turkey and Spain, before moving to Boca Juniors in Argentina a couple of years ago.

“He is due to come in on loan. I believe it’s a season long loan, but at least two players coming in.”

Transfer update is welcome but the horse has bolted for the Celtic board

Whilst this update will be welcomed by the vast majority of Celtic fans, many will feel anger that it’s too little, too late.

These players should have been brought in BEFORE the Champions League play-off and it appears that Celtic’s gamble with qualification has now backfired.

Failing to spend at least £4.5m on Balikwisha ten days earlier has cost Celtic the bulk of £40m and questions must, and will, be asked of the board over the coming days.