Right now, there are possible signings rumoured that are adding more concern rather than relief and expectation for many Celtic fans. It’s been that sort of summer transfer window. But at least until now, there were hopes of a swoop for a top player being made. One that would excite and inspire the supporters rather than fall flat, as is happening now.
The current excitement among the Celtic following has, of course, switched to Wednesday night's match. Kairat Almaty will visit Glasgow for the first leg of the Champions League qualifier playoff. It could be a tense night, but hopes are high of a good score in the tie to take to Kazakhstan next week.
Celtic will have only a few changes to their squad for the match. In fact, so few that the expected starting lineup is pretty predictable. Much to the frustration of the home fans, especially with the likes of Kyogo and Nicolas Kuhn no longer at the club and as yet not replaced.
That’s where we come back to the transfer window. Although several players have been signed so far, very few of those are likely to feature in the first leg. And perhaps only a couple may get time on the pitch from the bench.
Signing rumours fall flat as Celtic face up to Champions League test
The focus on strengthening the squad and adding the quality that Brendan Rodgers insists is needed, appears to be focused post the qualifier rather than for it. And even then, the current names being suggested as targets aren't inspiring too many fans.
Michel-Ange Balikwisha at Royal Antwerp has been rumored as a target for some time. Including previous windows before he had a serious injury. The player is said to be very keen to join Celtic and a £5m deal appears to have been on the cards for some time but has not materialised yet.
Fans though, aren't impressed with the player’s extensive injury record. Given the number of games Celtic play, they can't afford to have too many injury-prone players in the squad. You can't help thinking that if Rodgers wanted Balikwisha, the deal would have been done by now.
The other name worrying fans currently is Jamie Vardy. Well known to Rodgers from their days at Leicester City, he has been a prolific goalscorer, but relies on his pace to get behind teams defending high up the pitch. That's not how teams in Scotland defend against Celtic. And at 38, his pace has faded considerably from his peak years.
A lot of fans are not satisfied with the names being linked with late moves to Parkhead. One wrote: "We’ve got over £60 million sitting in the bank, already brought in more than £20 million this window, and yet I’m seeing some people satisfied with a 38-year-old Jamie Vardy - who’s been a free agent since June 30th. Honestly, pack the whole thing in if this is where we’re at."
Another added: "Celtic signing a 38 year old Jamie Vardy isnt the type of player we need right now to take us forward. If anything it’s a step backwards from where we were a year ago."
So, while fans remain frustrated, the focus is swiftly back on the Champions League. The current squad ought to be strong enough to qualify. But in cup games anything is possible. Let’s not forget the gap on the trophy shelf where last season's Scottish Cup could be sat.