It would be an understatement to say that Celtic's January transfer window was a disappointing one. Coming out of it, it felt the club had failed to match even the minimum expectations and following further injuries to Cameron Carter-Vickers and Reo Hatate, they might be in a weaker position now than they were going into it.
Two signings were made this winter. Nicolas Kuhn was brought in after a promising first half of the season at Rapid Vienna. He still has a lot to prove in the senior game though.
Celtic also filled their need for a third striker by signing Adam Idah on loan from Norwich City. The Republic of Ireland international's goalscoring is far from impressive though and there are serious doubts about whether he can make a real difference up top for the Hoops.
On the other hand, some exits also raised question marks. One of them was the transfer of David Turnbull to Cardiff City despite knowing that Hatate had picked up an injury while away with the Japan national team.
Chris Sutton calls out Celtic's deadline day decision
Lately, Sutton has not sounded impressed with Celtic's January transfer window and understandably so. He wrote in his column in the Daily Record:
"I just can’t see the strategy. It’s so muddled. Look at Gustaf Lagerbielke. He was on his way to Lecce but got called back with doubts over Cameron Carter-Vickers’ injury. That’s tough on the player but it’s the way it goes. But why then let David Turnbull go when Reo Hatate is going to be out for a number of weeks?"
Now, it is worth pointing out that Turnbull was not a regular starter for Celtic. In fact, the Scot's playing time had decreased further following the recent rise of Paulo Bernardo.
He is someone who knew his way to the back of the goal though. That could have been invaluable to a Celtic team that has struggled to score at times.
At the same time, Hatate's injury record is worrisome. This is the third one he has picked up this season as the midfielder struggles to remain fit. Keeping Turnbull as cover could have been a good idea, even if it led to a free transfer in the summer.