Celtic’s task in the January transfer window is simple:
Equip Martin O’Neill with the best squad possible to win the Scottish Premiership.
O’Neill is back again at Celtic after the end of Wilfried Nancy’s disastrous 33 days in charge. This was certainly never the plan.
With a three-way title race underway in the Premiership, the Hoops have their work cut out for them. At the time of writing, Celtic sit in third place.
O’Neill can’t do it alone; Celtic need to make rapid, effective signings. Chris Sutton already has one name in mind.
Tell us your starting XI for Martin O’Neill’s first game back
Chris Sutton tips Celtic to sign Premier League striker
Celtic were left short on strikers after the summer transfer window, after selling Adam Idah and failing to replace him.
As a result, Brendan Rodgers had to dip into the free agent market to sign Kelechi Iheanacho, who has struggled with injuries.
READ MORE: Landon Donovan ‘hates’ Wilfried Nancy’s Celtic sacking, says boss was badly advised
This has left the Hoops in a position where a striker is non-negotiable in the January window – O’Neill has all-but said this.
Speaking on Sky Sports about their striker search, Sutton said: “Where do you get a better striker than what you’ve got? I don’t think it’s too difficult.
“There’s talk about Callum Wilson and his contract ending at West Ham. I know he’s been injury prone before, but Celtic have to gamble.
“it’s not a position that the club or the fans want to be in, but that’s what they have to do now. Celtic are six points behind Hearts! Rangers have caught them up.
“This is what happens when your mindset is: ‘we just want to finish above Rangers.’ Whether people like it or not.
“Nobody can tell me that there hasn’t been complacency. You only have to look at what’s happened.
“Kris [Boyd] talks about the Champions League. That was, a year ago, where Celtic were. Champions League, going to Bayern Munich and running them so close.
“Look what’s happened now – but it’s short-term now. Needs must. Back Martin O’Neill in January, and give yourself the best possible chance of winning the Premiership.
“That’s all that Celtic can do now.”
Name three players you would sell in the current Celtic side
Celtic’s striker options
Wilson has managed to keep fit this season, scoring four Premier League goals for West Ham. He is 33 however, and no credible links to Celtic have emerged for him yet.
Wessam Abou Ali of Columbus Crew had been an option as a striker, but with Nancy sacked already, the chances of him bringing players from Columbus to Glasgow is no more.
Celtic have been linked with Ibrahim Diabate, the reigning top-scorer of the Swedish top-flight. It remains to be seen if this interest intensifies.
Looking back to the summer, Kasper Dolberg and Louis Munteanu were targets – but neither are attainable this month.
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