Judging from the speculation, it felt like Celtic were scrambling to sign a striker late in the winter transfer window after seeing Kyogo Furuhashi leave for Rennes. That does not make much sense though as the club must have been aware of the Japanese forward's intentions for weeks and yet, they did not bring in a replacement beforehand. This feels like something that would not have happened in the Ange Postecoglou era.
Late in the winter transfer window, Celtic were linked with strikers like David Strelec, Mathias Kvistgaarden, Kelechi Iheanacho and a few others. But no addition was ultimately made to their forward ranks.
Of course, that left the squad in a far from ideal condition. Adam Idah is the first-choice option there now, despite going through a 14-game goalless run not too long ago.
On the other hand, the backup options are Johnny Kenny and Daniel Cummings. Neither has much experience at the top level.
€10m Celtic transfer target's dad hints at possible summer move
Curiously, Strelec refused to celebrate his goal for Slovan Bratislava recently. One has to wonder whether he was looking to join Celtic this winter.
His father, Milan Strelec, has shed some light on the entire situation. As reported by the Daily Record, he said:
"I watched the Celtic game over the weekend, everyone knows that the Scottish competition is about two clubs, but it could have been a good intermediate step for David. But there are things you simply can't influence. It turned out the way it turned out. We'll see what happens in the summer. My son will continue to perform well, I'm sure of that.
"It was beyond my control. They have invested a lot in David over the years, although some would say he's already paid it back. I guess they know what they're doing. My son will continue to perform well and be professional and in the summer... who knows?"
It remains to be seen whether the Hoops do end up making another attempt to sign the Slovakian striker in the summer or not. If he continues to perform at a high level for the remainder of the season then it is very possible that they will. Let's see how that plays out for him and the club.
On the other hand, one would think that the Hoops will have their eyes out on other potential targets as well. And more could be added over the rest of the season.