5 bold Celtic transfer moves that could provide January spark to reignite 10 In A Row challenge
Celtic have three difficult games across the Christmas period to contend with but on January 1 the transfer window of opportunity opens up.
While it's hard to imagine there will be business done before they face a season defining clash with their rivals Rangers a day later, the chance to rectify mistakes and adjust the squad will surely be welcomed.
The Hoops made a big splash in the summer, spending over £15m but it's safe to say they haven't had a lot of bang for their buck.
Neil Lennon and transfer guru Nick Hammond still have an excellent pool of players to work with but they can hasten the group's return to form by making big calls based on performances so far.
Of course, they need to get results against Ross County, Hamilton and Dundee United to ensure they are in touching distance come the titanic derby but here are five bold moves that could help reinvigorate their stuttering season if they are still in touch.
Send Shane Duffy Packing
There's no doubt the big Irishman is a good player. You don't stay at the level he has with Brighton and his national team without having something about you but it seems clear he's in the wrong movie at Celtic. He has never looked comfortable striding froward with the ball and picking out passes and it seems the amount of space that is left behind him in the Hoops causes his lack of pace to be exposed. Given his wages are reportedly significant, Lennon could move to draw a line under the deal and allow the player the chance to find a team more suited to his skillset given his Brighton future is up in the air.
Sign a new Keeper
Lennon has tried all three currently on the books and it's safe to say none look a patch on the departed Craig Gordon, never mind the brilliance of man-mountain Fraser Forster. The big Englishman's shock decision to return to the Premier League has left a huge hole to fill in the squad and it's clear the current trio aren't up to the task. Vasilis Barkas has come at a terrible time given Covid and it must be difficult to adapt but he's shown very little in his appearances to suggest he's the answer despite a £4.5m fee. Scott Bain hasn't convinced and Conor Hazard is talented but green. Lennon needs an operator of personality who knows the British game and he should move early to solve what has become a problem postion.
Deal in Edouard
It's massively easier said than done but how about agreeing a deal that ensures the striker is happy and firing for the rest of the season? That would be good for the player by putting himself in the shop window and the club given that they can ask for more for an in-form striker. Perhaps a new deal could be agreed that would still end in 2022 but offer the striker significant financial incentive to find his form with big goal bonuses. If the Hoops talisman was showing the form of last season, it's hard to imagine there would have been a crisis in Paradise this term. If Celtic are in a position where it's unthinkable to sell their talisman, they must find a way to motivate him and perhaps an adjustment to his contract that heavily rewards goals would help get his juices flowing again.
Send Ajeti out on Loan
There have been flashes of the striker that he can be so far but nowhere near enough. The £5m man was left out of the Scottish Cup Final squad and Lennon has been frustrated over his fitness since he arrived. With Leigh Griffiths suffering similar issues, there seems no point in having two strikers limping along, desperate for the minutes that will give them match sharpness. With Ajeti likely desperate to get to Euro 2020, you can bet he won't be happy to sit on the sidelines and will surely be keen to move to a club where he would be the main man.
Sign a Winger with Pacey Trickery
Mikey Johnston's return is a huge boost but James Forrest's long term absence has been a massive blow to Celtic. The winger has a slightly odd relationship with the Celtic support with some fans still unsure over some aspects of his game - but there can be no arguing with his numbers. Last season the wideman hit 16 goals and 22 assists in 47 games - that's a level of contribution that was always going to be sorely missed. With Moi Elyounoussi already in the team, Johnston's return and a new signing, the Hoops would suddenly have serious threat in wide areas once again and options for the manager to turn to should payers dip out of form. Such a signing won't come cheap, but this is no season for Celtic to hold back.
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3. EL Spieltag
06. November 18.45 Uhr DZ
MCH Arena
Midtjylland - Celtic FC
06. November 18.45 Uhr DZ
MCH Arena
Midtjylland - Celtic FC
Martin O'Neill - Legend! 
MARTIN O'NEILL - LEGEND 
