Just the starting lineup and bench was enough to show the need for Celtic to improve in several positions across the pitch. If it was not, the result left no doubt. Ajax handed Brendan Rodgers' team 5-1 defeat. Now, one should never delve too deep into pre-season results. But even then, it is hard to digest a loss of this magnitude, whether it be in the Como Cup or the Champions League.
It is very clear that Celtic need to improve and as soon as possible. Incidentally, their only goal came from the wing, with Yang Hyun-jun finding the back of the net against Ajax. But a lot more help is needed in that position after seeing Nicolas Kuhn and Luis Palma leave, while Jota is out injured for the foreseeable future. Even Marco Tilio is set to depart although he was named in the team for this game.
Michel-Ange Balikwisha is someone who has been linked with a move to Celtic for quite some time. And now, there is another update on the Belgian winger's stance on a transfer to Parkhead.
As reported by the Daily Record, Royal Antwerp know that Balikwisha wants to move to Scotland. But they are reluctant to budge on the £5m asking price, with Celtic keen to meet somewhere in between.
£5 million player wants to join Celtic amid Ajax wake-up call
It remains to be seen if any progress is made in this long-running saga over the coming days. It is certainly becoming a point of frustration for fans waiting to see the club make some signings.
It is worth mentioning that Balikwisha is not the only winger who appears to be on Celtic's radar at this point in time. It is believed that they have made a failed bid for Jakob Breum of Go Ahead Eagles.
Let's see how things go for Celtic. Considering how many wingers have left, or will, this summer, they might need to make multiple additions in that area of the pitch.