We are well past the halfway mark of the January transfer window. Yet, Celtic have only made just one addition so far, and even that was on January 2 when Julian Araujo was brought in on loan from Bournemouth, meaning that over the last 18 days, the club have been successful in signing anybody. At most places, that would be unacceptable. At Parkhead, it is unfortunately starting to become the norm.
Speculation crops up on a constant basis, and one would imagine that there is truth to a decent amount of time. But the club simply are unable to get deals over the line, whether it is due to an unwillingness to meet transfer demands or convince players to head to Celtic Park.
Anyways, with less than two weeks left in the January transfer window, Celtic have left themselves a lot of work to do. With an all-important game against Hearts coming up, the last thing they can afford is a third defeat to Derek McInnes' side this season that would leave them 9 points beind in the title race. Let's hope some additions are made before that fixture.
As reported by CeltsAreHere, Anthony Joseph has confirmed Celtic’s interest in Tawanda Maswanhise. The journalist said on Off the Underside Podcast:
"There’s interest there, obviously, but whether it materialises in this window remains to be seen.
“Celtic also have a player that Motherwell would really love to have back in Stephen Welsh.
“The fact he played against Auchinleck Talbot yesterday means the only other club he can join this season is Motherwell.
“We’ll see if that gets used as a bargaining tool.
“But Celtic need to sign a centre-back first."
Sky Sports man confirms Celtic's interest in 15-goal forward
Maswanhise has been one of the best players in Scottish football this season. He has scored 15 goals in 27 appearances across all competitions, whil playing both on the wing and as a centre-forward.
He is mobile, capable of dribbling past his man, and clearly has an eye for goal. But at the same time, one could describe his game as rough around the edges. Oftentimes, it feels like he is one step away from stumbling over when carrying the ball. He is a volume dribbler, not an efficient one. Also, one has to wonder whether his output will last, as he is outperforming his xG by a significant margin this season.
All things considered, Maswanhise is one of the most exciting players in Scottish football. And he is definitely better than most of the options Celtic have right now, whether it be up front or on the wing.
It is worth mentioning that Martin O'Neill was present at a Motherwell game recently. So, if Celtic do end up making a move for him, it would be with the approval of the manager.