Yes, Celtic have definitely taken a rather slow approach to the summer transfer window having signed just one player in the form of Moussa Dembele on a free transfer. Probably the reason behind that was new manager Brendan Rodgers taking a bit time to assess each and every individual of the squad he inherited. It almost cost him big time as the Hoops started their competitive season with a humiliating 1-0 loss against Gibraltar side Lincoln Red Imps who are not even a fully professional side.
The Scottish champions did overturn the deficit in the second leg and progressed to the next round of the Champions League qualifiers but the Northern Irishman has evidently realised the weaknesses in his squad. The biggest of them was at the heart of defence and Rodgers is set to heal the Bhoys’ defensive woes with the signing of former Arsenal, Manchester City and Liverpool defender Kolo Toure.
With the Ivorian all set to complete his free transfer to Parkhead, let us make a SWOT analysis of the 35-year-old.
Strengths
Celtic are getting the signature of a player who has graced the pitch 555 times for sides like Arsenal, Manchester City and Liverpool combined. One thing Celtic lack in their youthful squad is experience and Toure comes up with exactly that. A seasoned winner over the years, he was a key part of the Arsenal squad that won the famous invincible in 2004.
A legend in his native Ivory Coast, the 35-year-old has experienced it all for both club and country and boasts 112 caps for the African powerhouse. Toure, even at the age of 35, is a big upgrade on any of the current crop of Celtic defenders who will be able to learn a lot from the Ivorian.
Weaknesses
Toure is 35 years of age now and clearly past his peak. Although from what he delivered last season for Liverpool, Scottish Premiership should be a cakewalk for the Ivorian. Even at the dusk of his career, Toure can prove to play a key part for the Hoops next season.
Opportunities
Provided there are no late hitches, Toure is all set to embrace the Celtic shirt next season. Imagine the Ivorian’s CV! It would make any footballer envy the 35-year-old. First Arsenal, then Man City, then Liverpool and then to one of the iconic Scottish clubs Celtic!
Threats
Excuse me as I have failed to find a single threat that this deal could possess. Celtic securing the services of the Ivorian legend for free is an absolute no-brainer!
