Celtic were expected to be very active in this January transfer window. So far, their activity has not reflected those expectations. Julian Araujo is the only player to be brought in, and even that is a six-month loan deal until the end of the season. Several positions remains light on quality and depth, and need to be strengthened over the next three weeks, if Martin O'Neill is to have any hope of turning this around and bringing some silverware to Parkhead by the end of the campaign.
A move for Jocelin Ta Bi is believed to be close as well. The Ivorian winger is said to have agreed a deal to join Celtic on a long-term deal, while a £2 million transfer fee has been worked out with his club as well.
He is not the profile that you would expect to come in and make an immediate impact. We would love to be pleasantly surprised though. Let's hope Ta Bi turns out to be a mercurial talent that talks Scottish football by storm.
He is not expected to be the only arrival before the winter window closes, either. As reported by The Herald, Ta Bi is likely to be joined by another right-sided attacker and two strikers before the window shuts.
Four signings Celtic are set to make this January finally named
So, it looks like Celtic are content with the options that they have in defence and in the middle of the park. A lot of fans might not agree with that, but January is a difficult time to make signings. So, it is not hard to understand why the club might be reluctant to make significant changes to the squad in the middle of the campaign.
That being said, some areas are in urgent need of additions. The forward line certainly fits that description, largely due to injury problems and the disappointing performances of new arrivals.
Let's hope that the club are successful in adding some real quality to the squad. There is no point adding a number of players if they won't improve the overall levels of O'Neill's side.