There are some signs that Celtic is getting on the front foot for the January transfer window. After events in the summer, that can only be a good thing. You’d certainly hope the board and recruitment team are ready to act and bring in much-needed quality for the squad, in order to get the fans back on board if nothing else.
There are a few rumours around about potential signings already. We’ve seen some twists and turns on the likes of Bobby Clark perhaps being signed from RB Salzburg only for the speculation to be quickly rubbished. But we are also seeing Celtic interest being reported in goalkeepers too.
With question marks over Kasper Schmeichel's performances, many fans have called for Viljami Sinisalo to step in and replace the Dane in the starting XI. That could hasten the end of the Premier League winner's time at the club.
Although Ross Doohan was signed last summer, you’d expect the club to have a stronger backup and more competition for places if Sinisalo became the first-choice keeper. And the Hoops might be looking to ensure that.
Some worrying signs for Celtic fans in recent signing rumours
It’s sensible that we see the likes of Feyenoord’s Justin Bijlow linked with the club. They have also been reported to be looking at Leeds United keeper, Illan Meslier too. But despite what seems like good early planning ahead there are some worrying signs from all this too.
Firstly, the interest in those two goalkeepers is based on getting them as free transfers. Everyone loves a bargain, but we don't want the Celtic board remaining fixated on that. There may well be better players available for fees well within the club's capacity.
And on that better players point, there seems to be plenty to be worried about in terms of Meslier at Leeds. He’s currently their third-choice keeper with a contract expiring in the summer.
Meslier has played plenty of matches for Leeds and was their number one for several years. But as the club pushed for promotion to the Premier League, he was dropped towards the end of last season.
Meslier hasn't appeared for Leeds since March this year. It seems he is the third choice for a reason. He does have quite a lot of errors and slip-ups between the posts. And that is a cause for worry if you are a Celtic fan.
As a single slip-up, mistakes happen. But if there is a pattern of them over time, then they raise concerns. It may be that the player just needs a new club and a fresh chance. That did work for Vasilis Barkas when he moved to FC Utrecht. But it feels too big a risk for Celtic to take, even if it's on a free transfer deal.