Former Celtic player and coach John Collins has issued his thoughts on the current transfer situation at Parkhead. The Bhoys have struggled to get business done this summer, and it's becoming a critical situation due to the nearing Champions League qualifiers.
The Hoops face LASK in the qualifying play-offs across August 8 and 25, and it's clear the squad is nowhere near ready, with only two new signings agreed so far.
To add further concern, Arne Engels is expected to leave, as is Reo Hatate, while Celtic face a battle to keep hold of Alistair Johnston, who is the subject of serious interest from Everton.
Collins warns Celtic over sales
There is the potential for gaps in the squad to widen significantly before those all-important qualifiers, and former player Collins believes the Hoops must be careful not to sell until they have found replacements.
“It’s always a challenge, selling good, established players and bringing in new talent,” he told the Irish News.
“It’s nothing new, that’s the merry-go-round that all the clubs have. You sign young players, you develop them, the big boys from England come with the big money and tempt the players and ultimately you end up selling them for top dollar and you’ve got to replace them.
“The secret is, you have the replacement lined up. The day they leave, the replacement’s in, or the replacement’s in before they leave.
“It’s not as easy as it sounds but I’d like to think Celtic won’t be selling any of them before the Champions League qualifier. I think that would be a risk."
Collins approves of striker signings
Collins has been impressed with the attacking signings of Kasper Hogh and Camilo Duran, who started the opening game against Dundee, but he, like many, believes there is more needed.
“I’m happy with the two forward players they’ve brought in, but they’re still needing to strengthen the squad, there’s no doubt about that,” added the former Hoops midfielder.
“I’d like to see another midfielder with energy and legs, and I’d like to see another winger in, and maybe another centre-half. I think they definitely need to strengthen all over the pitch.”
Celtic are attempting to address their midfield, with Gvidas Gineitis and Mika Baur appearing to be the main targets at this stage. But they do not plan to add further depth to the centre-back positions, with O'Neill happy with what he has.
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