With less than two weeks now left in the January transfer window, Celtic need to pick up the pace if they want to strengthen Martin O'Neill's squad, as they look to make a title run in. As things stand, they are trailing Hearts by six points and will take on the table-toppers next weekend. Ideally, you'd want some quality signings to be made before that, but considering how inefficient the Hoops have been, the fans will be delighted to see anything significant happen between now and February 2.
Celtic are believed to be looking to strengthen on the flanks this winter. Michel-Ange Balikwisha has flopped since his £5 million move in the summer and has shown no signs that he is capable of ever succeeding at Parkhead. Sebastian Tounekti has shown flashes of quality here and there, but has been far too inconsistent. Jota is not expected to be back from his long-term injury this season. Remarkably, Yang Hyun-jun might be the club's best winger right now.
Jesurun Rak-Sakyi is someone Celtic had been linked with last summer. Those rumours have now cropped up once again after Crystal Palace recalled him from his loan spell in Turkey. The winger scored 4 goals and provided an assist in 13 appearances for Rizespor in the first half of the campaign.
Previously, he has enjoyed successful loan spells at Charlton Athletic and Sheffield United. He is someone who might be first-team ready. But Rak-Sakyi will join Celtic this winter only one condition.
Crystal Palace's Jesurun Rak-Sakyi will join Celtic only on one condition
As reported by CeltsAreHere, Crystal Palace have made it clear during negotiations that an obligation clause is important for their FFP, with the permanent fee likely to be in the region of £8 million. Celtic do have the funds available to complete such a deal, but the Hoops are insisting on an option, which could ultimately scupper their attempt to sign Rak-Sakyi.
No Celtic fan will be surprised that the club are allowing another transfer saga to drag on. And it would not be a surprise if it ends up collapsing at the last minute, or some other team swoops in, like Ajax did with Kasper Dolberg in the summer.
We do believe that someone like Rak-Sakyi can be a solid addition to this Celtic team. At the very least, he is someone who has proven himself at a decent level. But will the Hoops show enough ambition and urgency to get something done? That is the real question here.