There have been some moves by Celtic in this season’s summer transfer window so far. While the new signings show strong potential, it doesn’t yet feel like the squad has improved when compared to last season. That’s left most fans hoping for more to come. But is there a hold-up on that happening?
So far we’ve seen Marco Tilio, Hyun-Jun Yang, Hyeok-kyu Kwon, Odin Thiago Holm and Maik Nawrocki arrive. The window has been supplemented by new deals for Daizen Maeda, Kyogo Furuhashi and Callum McGregor.
Overall that’s a mix of good news, additional cover for some positions and some exciting long-term potential. But is that enough? The loss of Aaron Mooy and Jota seems very significant and we’re seeing weaknesses in the defensive positions. Carl Starfelt has left to join Celta Vigo as well. And there are still question marks at times over Joe Hart in goal and the full-back positions where cover feels thin.
It looks as though the Hoops have moved rapidly to secure a new centre-back to replace Starfelt. If it does indeed prove to be Gustaf Lagerbielke of IF Elfsborg, then that combined with Nawrocki arriving, should add strength at the back. And it might even offer Brendan Rodgers the option to go with a back-three for some matches.
Celtic delay in summer signings a cause for concern
Putting the Starfelt scenario to one side, the news on signings had gone quiet. Celtic are perhaps more advanced in their signings from Rodgers’ earlier spell, but Ange Postecoglou seemed to bring a fresh approach to transfers. That seems to be pretty much gone following his exit.
Of course, there isn’t the same urgency to rebuild as before. But you would still want players signed as starters to be bedding in well before we reach European matches.
With a strong financial base, any delay is unlikely to be due to the club needing to move players out before making signings. In the past, some footballers with aspirations to play in the Champions League would want to wait until that was assured before committing. Even that is guaranteed this time around.
A possible reason is that some players on the club’s transfer wish list are biding their time and trying to look at every possible option before making a move. It is how things work currently in football even though it might not be ideal.
Of greater concern would be a scenario where the Hoops are waiting to see if an exit for another top player is finalised. For example, if Reo Hatate left, that would be another huge loss and require quick action to replace him and to reassure the fans of the club’s intent.
If there are to be more signings this month then we should know for sure quickly. But the delay is concerning while it continues.