Celtic fans will have mixed feelings over how the January transfer window panned out as they turn their attention to the Scottish Premiership title hunt.
Nicolas Kuhn and Adam Idah have arrived at Parkhead, which will give Brendan Rodgers some flexibility across the front three positions heading into the second half of the campaign.
Despite this, the overriding feeling among many is frustration as the Hoops missed out on bringing a left-back amid reports the position was a key priority for the manager to strengthen.
On the flip side, there has also been movement in Rodgers’ quest to trim the squad, with the likes of Yosuke Ideguchi, Marco Tilio and Hyeokkyu Kwon departing to gain regular football elsewhere.
Motherwell moved to snap up Adam Montgomery on a loan deal last month; nevertheless, the 21-year-old has since returned to Celtic for treatment after picking up a serious injury.
Mikey Johnston is now looking to establish himself out at West Bromwich Albion; meanwhile, the Bhoys benefitted from the sum of £2 million plus add-ons with David Turnbull joining Cardiff City on deadline day [Football Scotland].
David Turnbull speaks after leaving Celtic for Cardiff City
On the face of it, Celtic only have a small core of homegrown players capable of contributing at first-team level and are a man down in that respect with Turnbull off to the Welsh capital.
Inside 16 Scottish Premiership appearances this term, the 24-year-old scored seven times, which are goals the Hoops didn’t look to replace on the final day of the window [Transfermarkt].
However, making £2 million off the former Motherwell man is a better alternative than losing him for free in the summer, given that he had just months left on his deal at Parkhead.
Either way, the Scotland international has now been speaking about his move to the Bluebirds and is ‘buzzing’ about the prospect of playing for his new club.
He stated: [Cardiff City FC official website] “I’m delighted, I’m buzzing to be here. It’s been a long day or two, but I’m really glad to get it over the line and can’t wait to get started. When I heard of the interest, I was very keen. It’s a huge Club. I’ve watched them in past and want to be a part of it now and kick on.”
“It’s a great city and when I arrived at the stadium, it was nice to see it. It’s brilliant and I’m really looking forward to it.”
Turnbull’s departure will create opportunities in Celtic midfield
Realistically, Celtic have made their decision to sell Turnbull and will believe they were right to do so, in a move that will potentially create opportunities for others to step into the engine room.
Odin Thiago Holm is a bright player with clear potential and could be thrust into the action more regularly after just 12 outings this campaign [Transfermarkt].
Rodgers has also spoken about trying to give academy products a pathway in Glasgow’s east end. Daniel Kelly impressed in his senior debut against Buckie Thistle, something which may suggest he could be brought into the fold if he continues to develop.
Japanese enforcer Tomoki Iwata has been a rarely seen presence in 2023/24; however, he will be someone we may see more frequently due to current numbers in midfield.
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