Celtic fans have been eagerly awaiting some signings in recent weeks, although not much has happened in that regard at Parkhead. But it looks like the goalless draw against Kairat at home has come as a wake-up call to many at the club and over the past 24 hours, there has been a lot of speculation around potential additions once again.
That is good news, no doubt, as the Hoops do need to make additions as soon as possible. That being said, many will wonder if Celtic have woken up a bit too late.
What is done is done though. If speculation is accurate then Celtic could be looking to make as many as five signings before the end of this summer transfer window.
It remains to be seen who these signings turn out to be, if Celtic are successful in their aim. Also, it does look like one of them might not be far away at all, after recent developments in Belgium.
Celtic now very close to completing long-awaited signing
As reported by Voetbal Primeur, Royal Antwerp have announced the arrival of Marwan Al-Sahafi. Michel-Ange Balikwisha is just a stone's throw from Celtic.
It would be safe to say that the Belgian winger has been on Celtic's radar for a long time now, going back to the previous transfer window. But injury problems along the way have meant that things have been continuously pushed back. Of course, it has been a matter of the Hoops allowing the saga to drag on longer than needed as well.
Now, though, it looks like it is on the verge of completion with Balikwisha ending up at Celtic, if things go according to expectations. Royal Antwerp have already brought in a replacement in the form of Al-Sahafi and now, it should only be a matter of time. Previously in the Scottish media, it had been reported that a fee in the region of £4.5 million had been agreed between the two clubs.
Of course, there are some concerns around Balikwisha's fitness, as he has been dealing with injuries over the past 12 months. On top of that, wonder has to wonder whether he will be able to make the adjustment to the Scottish game. One can only hope that Celtic have got their scouting right this time around. To be honest, their recent record in that department has been shaky at best.