Key areas Celtic need to address in January transfer window

We shouldn’t expect a flurry of signings, but Martin O’Neill should be pushing for a maximum of 3-4 new faces to bulk up his squad for the second half of the campaign.

The Board at their Greenock Supporters Club jaunt told the small group of supporters that the manager would be backed in the January window but we all know that nothing can be taken for granted with this lot.

In an attacking sense we are overloaded with quality, with the likes of Yang, Jota, Tounekti, Forrest, Hassan, Hogh, Osmand, Duran, and Mhueka more than enough to see us through to May barring any unforeseen injuries, and there is also an argument for offloading one or two too. Perhaps a loan deal for Tounekti for example?

It’s the middle of the park, and in the centre of defence that should be Martin’s main prerogative when it comes to adding to his options. And there’s also a strong case for finally signing a first pick goalkeeper as Martin O’Neill can’t really make his mind up on Viljami Sinisalo and Sam Johnstone with the answer actually being neither is going to cut the mustard as Celtic’s No1.

Oliver Sorensen hasn’t added the quality we expected, whilst Luke McCowan has lost so much confidence his time at the club is unfortunately nearing an end. A January move might be best for all parties.

With that in mind two new faces should be the target, with a physical holding midfielder top of the list, as well as a box to box type to further complement our options in the middle.

Torino’s Gvidas Gineitis a long term target could well be the man to solve the later position. The Lithuanian International was subject of heavy interest by the club in the summer window, but a significant difference in valuation between Celtic and the Serie A side put an end to any proposed deal.

Another name has come to light in the shape of Hacken midfielder Abdoulaye Doumbia. The 19 year old Ivorian has highly impressed in the Swedish top fight so much so that several clubs including Celtic have been tracking his progress.

It’s reported that a fee around £4 million would be enough to bring the talented teenager to Celtic so he’s a player well within the club’s financial reach. Everton too are reportedly keeping a close eye on the Doumbia so there is likely to be competition for the player’s signature.

Next up is the central defensive area. The fitness of Cameron Carter Vickers is a growing concern, whilst Liam Scales and Dane Murray don’t exactly inspire confidence, so that leaves just Auston Trusty as the only player that you can really rely upon, so one or preferably two new options at the back would be most welcome.

Auston Trusty, incidentally is now back to work after his recent bereavement and has joined up with his national squad in the States. We can therefore expect his back at Celtic after the international break.

A ball playing, solid centre back with a bit of pace would be ideal, but one who can do the basics would suffice.

Clearly the main area of concern for Celtic is in the middle of the park and just like Ange did back in the January 2022, Martin O’Neill should be DEMANDING signings arriving at the start of the window in early January and NOT on the last day as Michael Nicholson rises from his slumber in panic mode to bring in a few punts and loans.

In January Celtic start at Ibrox – remember Alistair Johnston made his Celtic debut at Ibrox after arriving early in January – so it can happen. We also have two massive Europa League matches and will probably be needing three, four or possibly six points from the games against Marseille and home on 21 January and away to Union Saint-Gilloise a week later.

The current Celtic squad was NOT ready for the Champions League play-off in the summer and LASK took full advantage, even from 4-0 down. That was on Nicholson, McKay and their puppet master Desmond Snr.

Celtic can’t keep making the same mistakes. Did you read the article last night quoting Anthony Joseph from Sky Sports with his behind the curtain look at the Celtic’s amateur hour football operations and transfer dealing failings? It’s scary, but also rather wryly comical. Have a read below…

Just an Ordinary Bhoy