Celtic have focused on signing attackers so far this month.
Pundit John Hartson has told the Glasgow Evening Times that he’s surprised Celtic have yet to sign any new defenders during this month’s transfer window.
The Bhoys have focused on attacking reinforcements so far this month, bringing in Timothy Weah, Oliver Burke and Vakoun Issouf Bayo to bolster Brendan Rodgers’ attacking options.
As noted by BBC Sport, another attacker is heading to Parkhead as Karpaty Lviv wide man Maryan Shved is undergoing a medical to join Celtic.
Shved may go out on loan, but that will be four attacking additions and none at the other end of the pitch, especially with ongoing confusion over Andrew Gutman’s move to Parkhead.
Rodgers has been seeking a left back, given that Mikael Lustig and Cristian Gamboa are both out of contract at the end of the season, and Anthony Ralston isn’t exactly of starting quality right now.
At centre back, Dedryck Boyata is out of contract this summer and Filip Benkovic is only on loan, meaning Celtic stand to be four defenders down come the end of the season.
Benkovic has now suffered a potentially season-ending injury according to The Scottish Sun, and Rodgers may be forced into the market in the dying hours to try and strengthen his back line.
Now, pundit Hartson has admitted that he can’t believe Celtic haven’t signed any defenders, and feels they may be making a major mistake if they don’t act soon, as they need defensive options in order to take on Valencia in the Europa League.
“One thing that has surprised me during this transfer window has been Celtic’s failure to strengthen the defence,” said Hartson. “There are still a few days to go of course, so perhaps it is all in hand, but the centre of defence and in particular, the right-back position, need to be addressed. Perhaps Brendan Rodgers feels that Mikael Lustig can still do a job with Anthony Ralston providing cover, and that they are strong enough at the heart of defence with Filip Benkovic, Jozo Simuovic, Dedryck Boyata and Kris Ajer. I can’t say I agree.”
“Two or three of those players won’t be at the club next season, and there are obviously the early European games to think about as well. We’re pretty well placed in other areas of the team, but I would really like to see these two areas addressed so that the new players coming in have time to bed in during the remainder of the season. Celtic are going into a big run of games, including the two matches against Valencia, and some quality in those areas would appease any worries that supporters currently have,” he added.
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