Celtic don’t often make transfer announcements after the deadline has already passed but the nature of the deal to land Luke McCowan meant it was a late night for the club on Friday.
The 11pm cut-off came and went without word of McCowan’s move going through, only for Celtic to eventually reveal the signing 44 minutes later.
BBC journalist Brian McLaughlin reported on Radio Scotland this afternoon that as of 9:30pm on Friday night the move wasn’t happening.
However, another bid from Hibernian and McCowan’s desire to play for Celtic pushed things forward and allowed the Scottish champions to seal a £1m agreement with Dundee.
In the end, fans were rewarded for their patience on deadline day with a triple signing. Arne Engels and Auston Trusty have also joined the club on long-term contracts.
Celtic fans relate to Luke McCowan’s transfer delight
McCowan did end up savouring the sights of Celtic Park, arriving before midnight to get a look at the stadium. Sky Sports posted a video of that moment on social media and it went down a storm with supporters.
Many recognise the love that the lifelong fan has for the Bhoys in his reaction to coming out of the tunnel. There’s a strong positive sentiment around the signing being completed.
One fan said: “Buzzing for Luke. He really is just one of us. That smile says it all.”
With another agreeing: “Living the dream! Buzzing for the lad, that feeling must be incredible.”
Fan media personality Paul John Dykes added: “Maybe not the most fashionable of signings, but look at what this means to Luke McCowan. Under our manager, and on the platform Celtic provides, what an opportunity he has to fulfil his lifelong ambition. Looking forward to seeing how he adapts.”
This supporter eloquently said: “Could Celtic have bought a more expensive, fancy player? Sure. Could McCowan have went somewhere else and been a nailed on starter? Sure. But look how absolutely buzzing he is. Dream come true stuff for anyone in his situation. Made up for him.”
Finally, this fan concluded: “The best thing about the transfer window that just shut was undoubtedly Luke McCowan’s smile. Hail, hail and welcome home to Paradise. Now, go on and flourish.”
Luke McCowan’s 2023/24 season has shown potential
The midfielder’s standout performances last season are what earned him his big move to Celtic. Scoring ten goals and assisting five more, he showed what kind of influence he can have in the final third.
He’d had top-flight experience before but in a relegated team. Under Tony Docherty, he thrived and started to show his full potential with the majority of his career played in the lower leagues.
Now 26, McCowan is hitting his prime years and it’s hopefully Celtic who benefit from the experience and development he’s gone through. He was ready for the next step.
Brendan Rodgers believes he can make a big enough jump to make an impact at the Bhoys, so everyone is looking forward to seeing what he can do.
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