Is this the greatest transfer window in Celtic history?

The transfer window is now closed. Have Celtic had one of their best ever to strengthen their squad?

For Celtic it’s never over until the final whistle blows. Sunday’s win over St Johnstone with two very late goals showed that. The transfer window business is the same and doesn’t stop until the deadline passes. So it was a slightly nervy end as fans waited for the final signing, Diego Laxalt to be confirmed. It got easier when the club started sending teasing messages on social media before confirming officially.

And what a deal that looks to be. An excellent attacking left-back was very much top of the shopping list for a while. That was definitely on most people’s priorities for today and we highlighted that yesterday Celtic do have a habit of pulling off superb deals from seemingly nowhere and have done the trick again for Laxalt.

There was also tension and relief in the end as fans also wanted to see the window close without any significant departures. That too was the case and fans were just as happy about no deals there.

The build up was quite frenzied. Rumours being what they are has meant plenty more flying around in the last 24 hours. Robert Snodgrass flew brightly for a while on Sunday until like a cheap firework rocket it fizzled out and fell to the ground. Everyone had fun looking on though as it shone as a possibility.

Harry Wilson from Liverpool was being mentioned, but not for loans, only for sale which was probably a step too far. Klopp and others were probably too embarrassed to answer the phone today anyway after that astonishing 7-2 loss against Aston Villa on Sunday.

So where does that all leave Celtic and this window then?

For players like Kris Ajer, Olivier Ntcham, Odsonne Edouard and Tom Rogic, the fans will be delighted that they are staying and will be here for 10-in-a-row. Go make it happen!

Earlier on we did see a flurry of departures as contracts or loans expired and options weren’t taken up. Fraser Forster, Jozo Simunovic, Craig Gordon and Johnny Hayes in particular. But all now effectively replaced. Marian Shved, Eboue Kouassi, Vakoun Bayo, Jack Hendry, Calvin Miller, Kundai Benyu and Daniel Arzani all moved out, we may see one or two return from loans. Most weren’t getting anywhere near the first team so the move is sensible. And of course Boli Bolingoli exited too, for now anyway.

Jack Aitchison was reported as signing a 3-year deal with Barnsley. It’s a shame to see promising youngsters move on but sometimes they aren’t getting the opportunities and it’s the right thing to do. Jonathan Afolabi out on loan recently to Dundee is another example of potential talent but he may well return to Celtic a stronger option for a place in the squad.

And then the players brought in will also have a part to play. What a window though! Quality players in, money spent, deals struck. Sure it may have been slow and painful at times, but we’ve got there.

Vasilis Barkas is settling in nicely in goal. Shane Duffy adds strength at the back and goals from set pieces. Diego Laxalt looks like he’ll bring toughness and quality to the left. Albian Ajeti is already impressing as a goal scorer. David Turnbull has looked very classy when getting a chance. And it seems a long time ago now but securing Mohammed Elyounoussi for another year is a great move too. The mood amongst fans is very positive.

Quality in, future purchases available in some cases, no significant players leaving at the end of the window. A lot in on loan but possible purchase options for some.  And a much needed left-back. All in all an excellent window. Probably one of the best for a long while.