You don't have to look far to find issues with Celtic’s January transfer window signings. Although fans were unhappy at the time, it looks as though backing out of a deal for winger Jocelin Ta Bi from Maccabi Netanya will turn out to be a smart move. That's not going to be a huge consolation though, while concerns are great over the quality of those who were signed.
During the window, it was understood that a deal had been struck for wing player Ta Bi to sign. It was just a few formalities and a medical to be completed before a deal could be confirmed. With fans desperate for transfer news, this looked like there was movement at last.
Then it all went quiet in the media, and just as questions were being asked about the delay, there were stories of concern from his medical. Celtic’s advisers reckoned there was an ankle injury that would need surgery for Ta Bi. The player signed soon after for Sunderland instead; they seemed to take a different view on any injury concerns.
Celtic transfer target underlines injury concerns
Ta Bi made his Sunderland debut with nine minutes as a substitute in the FA Cup against Oxford United. At the weekend, he made his Premier League debut with a start against Fulham. He didn't last the first half; an ankle injury saw him subbed off after 39 minutes.
Time will tell for sure whether the Celtic decision was the right one. At the moment, it looks like going in their favour for now. Having said that, the players we actually signed in January aren't exactly covering themselves in glory. Julian Araujo is one exception who is looking like he has the qualities needed. Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is showing his class too, but was signed as a free agent after the window closed.
For the rest, the jury is very much out, and fan fury is strong at signs of a few more signing flops. Tomas Cvancara seems more in the style of Johnny Kenny, though he may yet click and take a goal chance or provide an assist from time to time. Joel Mvuka has surprisingly dropped out of recent squads; even if selected, there’s no strong indication that he can provide a game-changing appearance. We should also remember that medical issues held up Mvuka’s deal too. That one did go ahead, unlike Ta Bi, though on a loan rather then permanent basis.
Junior Adamu did notch a goal on his debut, but again, we’ve seen little of him since, which suggests the management haven't got huge confidence in him yet. That leaves Benjamin Arthur, the young centre half, on loan from Brentford. He made a brief appearance against Hibs after that Auston Trusty red card and looked fine in those limited minutes. But it’ll be quite a baptism if he starts at Ibrox on Saturday. We’ll have to hope Arthur is a transfer window stand-out like Araujo if he steps up this weekend.