How did Celtic fare in the summer transfer window?
Brendan Rodgers’ arrival this summer led to much anticipation and expectation amongst the fans at Parkhead.
The move is undoubtedly a step down domestically, though Rodgers, a huge admirer of Celtic, couldn’t turn down the chance to bring back Champions League football at one of the biggest clubs in the world. And that he did.
While deadline day came and went without any business occurring, Celtic are far better placed now than they were when the window first opened.
Ten goals scored in three wins out of three, it is already clear the Hoops’ dealings are more than sufficient to win the league title for the sixth time in a row.
However, in spite of 50,000 season tickets sold on the basis of the manager being backed in the transfer market and the return to the riches of European competition, Celtic have spent very little.
Since the Champions League draw was made only a right-back had been signed, questionable given Celtic were handed the toughest group they’ve ever had in coming up against Barcelona, Manchester City and Borussia Monchengladbach.
The much awaited glamour signing, a marquee name, did not become a reality. But there has been strength added to nearly every position.
A central midfielder seemed the last player Rodgers was looking for — and one they could with — yet it wasn’t to be.
James McCarthy’s name was mentioned throughout August 31, causing excitement among the Celtic supporters, but even if the Irishman wanted a move to Parkhead, it was always going to be a stretch for the club.
Scott Sinclair, Kolo Toure and Moussa Dembele have already played a key role in helping the Hoops reach the Champions League group stage. No matter how early we are into the Rodgers era, there has been a significant step up from the last few seasons.
Sinclair looks keen to make up for lost time in Glasgow, showing signs of returning to his best under the man who signed him at Swansea City.
Toure has brought calmness and experience to a defence that have missed both for some time. Dembele, only 20, showed he is up to the task of fulfilling the expectancy set by the Celtic fans with his winner from the spot against FC Astana in the most dramatic of circumstances.
Saidy Janko’s horror showing in the second leg of the playoff round at Hapoel Beer Sheva prompted Crstian Gamboa’s arrival from West Brom, as the Swiss-born defender headed to Barnsley.
Goalkeeper Dorus De Vris makes up the five who moved to Parkhead this summer. Immediately handed the gloves before the Old Firm and the first game in Group C of the Champions League, Craig Gordon’s No 1 spot is clearly under threat.
When Rodgers first arrived he was to trim some of excess baggage at Lennoxtown. Though the numbers have not diminished as much as expected.
Jozo Simunovic’s situation was tense. After signing at the end of the transfer window last campaign in a £5 million deal, the Croatian centre half will give Rodgers another option in defence after his move to Torino collapsed near the deadline. Emilio Izaguirre, who was set on leaving in May, remaining is sensible as he provides cover for Kieran Tierney at left-back.
The likes of Kris Commons, Gary Mackay-Steven, Stuart Armstrong, Liam Henderson and Efe Ambrose will feel a sense of frustration and should have pushed a move to find regular football, following Stefan Johansen out the door.
GRADE: B – Rodgers has done enough in his first window as Celtic boss to ensure, domestically, there is no stopping another green and white charge. Though he may feel disheartened by the club’s drive at the end to sign a central midfielder, an area which the manager wanted and the fans know needed strengthened.
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