Celtic are back in business overcoming early jitters and the rivalry with Rangers is reignited as the Old Firm rivals are going neck to neck for the Premiership silverware. Despite conquering the League Cup in December, the Hoops had a busy winter with multiple new arrivals. They are keen on reclaiming the Scottish crown and the rise under Ange Postecoglou is truly remarkable considering an array of high-profile exits back in the summer window.
The gaffer’s contacts and influence in Japan triggered the transfer of Kyogo Furuhashi early into the campaign. The Japan international has been a revelation in the attacking third and Postecoglou, therefore, was handed the liberty to bring in three more players from the J1 League. Apart from Daizen Maeda, Reo Hatate and Yosuke Ideguchi, the Celts secured the services of promising English prodigy Matt O’Riley.
The Overall Winter Activity Of Celtic
The Bhoys snapped up a plethora of signings last year to reconstruct the depleted squad. The key areas were addressed and the majority of new names shone instantly attuning to the demands and aggression of the Scottish game. Yet they opted for further additions last month and the manager took no time to line them up in the starting XI amid multiple injury concerns.
Maeda scored on his debut while spearheading the attack in the absence of Furuhashi, whereas Hatate has been majestic in the middle of the park with his high work ethic, swift skills and all-round ability. O’Riley holds all the traits to follow the footsteps of Tom Rogic with his creative spark and attacking threats, also the inclusion of Ideguchi offers ample depth in the centre of the pitch.
Celtic, meanwhile, were keen on trimming the squad size by offloading the deadwood. The likes of Vasilis Barkas, Ismaila Soro, Boli Bolingoli and Albian Ajeti were declared as surplus to requirement, but the Bhoys have now failed to find suitors for them. Their valuation has already dropped due to the lack of playing minutes and the club might have to settle for minuscule transfer fees if the outcasts part ways next summer.
The Verdict
Although there have been plenty of arrivals, the Hoops are yet to tie down Filipe Jota and Cameron Carter-Vickers on permanent terms. They must figure something out before the closure of the current term but, at the same time, are well equipped across the pitch for the remainder of the ongoing term.
