Steven Gerrard’s Rangers would have definitely earned validation from the Celtic faithful after their derby victory. Celtic though still look favourites for the title but we have a title race on our hand now as the Gers are level on point with their Old Firm rivals having played a game more. Both teams would look to strengthen in January, and it could very much come down to who makes the more significant strides in the transfer market.
Celtic had a dud summer transfer window, and the result is there for everyone to see as there has been a clear drop in standard of the Hoops. Rodgers has already given enough indication that they would look for reinforcements in January. Recently, he was quoted as saying (Sky Sports), ”We have a lot of work to do in terms of our game, we have some work to do in the transfer market, that we want to get players in. It is clear where we need it in terms of the squad then we will come back ready into our next game and be ready to fight.”
Here are three positions where they need to bring in reinforcements
Striker
Not having an out and out striker in the derby game against Rangers probably hurt the Hoops the most as Michael Johnston was wholly isolated up front. With Leigh Griffiths deciding to take some time off football, the manager is currently down to one striker in the form of Odsonne Eoduard. Losing Moussa Dembele on the last day of the summer transfer window was a major blow for the club, but with all that money, Celtic have a chance to reinvest in January.
Rodgers, in fact, went on to claim (Sky Sports) that they could look to sign as many as two strikers in January. As of now, Timothy Weah of Paris Saint Germain seems to be on the cards (Sky Sports) and the 18-year-old is expected to join on a 6-month loan spell.
Right Back
Mikael Lustig has been a definite weak point for quite some time now, and his goof-ups against some top sides, especially in Europe, have cost the Hoops dear. Even in the derby, he wasn’t able to deal with Ryan Kent for the goal as he sold himself by committing early.
Belgium international Timothy Castagne’s name has been doing the rounds (Daily Record), and we believe this is a signing which Celtic needs to pull off. With Europa League games coming up, Rodgers needs an upgrade over Lustig at the moment.
Defender
Celtic would be kicking themselves for not selling Boyata in the summer when they had the chance, and his recent performance against Rangers would undoubtedly take his stock down. If given an opportunity again, we believe the club should take it and look to sell the Belgian in January when it is certain now Filip Benkovic is set to stay (Daily Record) until the end of the season.
A defender should be on the cards of the club, and ideally, a defender who can double up as a left back would be perfect as the club has struggled whenever Kieran Tierney has been unavailable.
