Former Celtic boss Gordon Strachan has defended the club's transfer business this summer. The Bhoys have drawn plenty of criticism for how they have gone about their business.
The Bhoys have now managed four new signings, bringing in Kasper Hogh, Camilo Duran, Mika Baur and Haissem Hassan, and there are likely more to come, with another midfielder required, along with a left-back and a goalkeeper.
But fans have been critical of how the club has gone about its business, given it has taken too long to get players in, and a lack of proactive approach has led to Martin O'Neill having to play Baur, for example, out of position to cover for Arne Engels, even though the club knew the midfielder would be leaving this summer.
Meanwhile, there is still only one left-back on Celtic's books and one senior goalkeeper.
Strachan defends Celtic business
Despite some obvious causes for concern, Strachan believes Celtic have got it right so far. He told Andy Muirhead: "No, it’s due diligence
“Only a few clubs can spend in a certain way. If spending is reckless and player wages become ridiculous, you could put your club at risk. It’s been shown with other clubs in Scotland and England.
“If you do not do your homework properly, you can not only end up not winning trophies but losing your club.”
Strachan added: "Celtic’s speed is right, as the four signings they’ve made are smashing signings.
“People talk about Celtic’s business not being that great. Engels is off for £22 million. Kyogo and Maeda also went for good money, so the money they bring in from players is truly phenomenal.”
The Celtic Bhoys verdict
Strachan is right to point out the quality of the Celtic signings, and few are doubting that. But it's also true that the Bhoys could have signed at least three of the players at an earlier date.
The club did a bad job of identifying genuine targets and identifying whether they were viable targets before the window started, and so they were caught surprised and scrambling for signings deep into the window.
A well-executed window would not have the Hoops still requiring at least three, and more likely four, new signings with less than two weeks remaining in the transfer window.
That is a symptom of a lack of efficiency, and Celtic should have been better prepared, especially given they were well aware that Daizen Maeda and Engels would be sold.
But that doesn't mean we can't also credit them for getting the signings they have made right, albeit we haven't seen enough of Hassan just yet to know for sure that the signing will work out. Fans will be feeling very confident about the other three.
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