Fans have been very critical of Celtic’s transfer activity so far, with the lack of a real “quality” first-team signing to take the team to the next level, especially on a European stage.
Those exact same shouts from fans were echoed by Brendan Rodgers in his post-match press conference. When questioned on whether he needs experienced signings given the age profile of the players signed so far and Rodgers said that he needs quality signings.
That is a given in a transfer window as you are always looking to improve the team in any way you can, but where do Celtic need quality signings?
The squad is already pretty big and the team is just off the back of winning a treble, so where do Celtic need to spend around £6-£10million on a player?
Goalkeeper
Fans have been crying out for the club to sign a goalkeeper to replace Joe Hart, with confidence in the former England number 1 being very low, particularly on a European level. A good keeper domestically, Hart has had a steady start to the league season but the potential for a mishap or a mistake still looms.
The links with Croatian keeper Dominik Livakovic only fuelled the fire for a new keeper but those rumours seem to have dried up, the latest being that his move to Turkish giants Fenerbahce will be completed very soon.
Rodgers seems to be confident in the 35-year-old and has mentioned on multiple occasions in the media that Hart is his man so signing a new keeper at this stage in the window seems unlikely.
Left-Back
Greg Taylor’s position as a Celtic starter has always come with doubts from some sections of the support. In the early stages of his time at the club it seemed no matter what Taylor did, criticism always came with it.
He proved his worth under Ange Postecoglou as he fully bought in and thrived in Ange’s system, developing into a far better technical player.
However, his lack of pace and physicality has been exposed so far this season. If this is happening consistently at a domestic level then it will be highlighted on an even larger scale in Europe.
The Scotland cap has looked out of place moving from Ange’s inverted full-back system to a more traditional style.
Celtic have been linked with left-backs that could potentially displace Taylor from his starting berth with Quentin Merlin from Ligue 1 side Nantes rumoured to be a target.
Winger
When Jota departed Celtic for Al-Ittihad, many assumed that signing a new starting winger would be at the top of Celtic’s agenda. Signing a like-for-like replacement for the Portuguese would have been impossible but splashing the cash to replace the output and quality Jota brought to the team was a must.
Liel Abada hasn’t shown the signs so far that he can fill the void left by Jota and with the lack of creativity in the side, especially from the wide areas.
Wolves’ Daniel Podence has been linked and would be the exact profile of player Celtic would need to replace Jota, and the exact quality of player Celtic will need to sign for this position.
JAMES MCKENZIE
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