Why Celtic need more signings this month despite completing 2 transfers already
With the January transfer window in full flow, Scottish champions Celtic continue to be linked with players over a move to the Parkhead. The Bhoys have already clinched the signings of defender Marvin Compper from German Bundesliga outfit RB Leipzig and winger Lewis Morgan from Scottish Championship club St. Mirren since the window opened.
There have also been a few exits from the Celtic Park so far, with midfielder Liam Henderson moving to Serie B outfit Bari permanently, while summer signing Kundai Benyu has joined English club Oldham Athletic on loan. Young defender Jamie McCart has moved on a temporary spell to St. Mirren, but the biggest departure has been that of Erik Sviatchenko, who has returned to his homeland of Denmark, joining FC Midtjylland on loan till the end of the season.
With a considerable amount of business already having been done in this window, should Celtic look to bring in more players before the transfer deadline day?
While the squad seems well-rounded at the moment, the departure of Sviatchenko, coupled with Compper’s injury that could see him sidelined for close to a month, does leave Brendan Rodgers’ side a little thin at the back. The club have the likes of Jozo Simunovic, Dedryck Boyata and Kristoffer Ajer in the ranks, but given the recent injury troubles of the former two players, it would not be the worst idea if Rodgers decided to take a cautious approach and bring in another defender.
The club are reportedly looking at Serbian defender Zusko Tosic as a potential target. The 32-year old, who plays for Turkish giants Besiktas will be a great addition, given his vast experience and could be a more than handy player in Celtic’s tilt in the UEFA Europa League.
Meanwhile, rumours linking star striker Moussa Dembele away don’t seem to die at all. The Frenchman is being pursued by a host of Premier League clubs and while there have been no indications of an exit, if it so happens that the former Fulham man decides to return to England, a replacement will be needed for the Scottish champions.
To that end, the club have been linked with Argentine striker Franco Di Santo and former Crystal Palace forward Reisse Allassani. Di Santo, who plays for German side Schalke, wouldn’t be the most appropriate signing, given his not so impressive goal-scoring record, whereas Allassani, a relatively unknown prospect, has been in good form for Dulwich Hamlet FC in having scored 17 goals in 16 games and could turn out to be a masterstroke.
Apart from this, a goal-scoring midfielder would also be something that would help Celtic in the second-half of the season. The likes of Stuart Armstrong and Callum McGregor haven’t been able to hit the heights of last season and with reports of a loan move for Chelsea midfielder Lewis Baker doing the rounds, it should be an avenue for Celtic to explore.