The lowdown on the Costa Rican defender signed from West Bromwich Albion.
As the deadline drew to a close on August 31, Celtic supporters did not expect Cristian Gamboa, signed the day before from West Bromwich Albion, to represent their club’s last piece of business of the summer transfer window.
The much awaited glamour signing, a marquee name, arriving at Parkhead did not become a reality after a return to the Champions League raised hopes.
Not much was known of Gamboa, bought on the back of playing a starring role in his country’s surprising run to the World Cup quarter-finals in the summer of moving to the Hawthorns.
Though the Costa Rican signed under Alan Irvine, but he was quickly dismissed, and new boss Tony Pulis completely marginalised him, wastefully in the eyes of many Baggies.
One Premier League start across 2014-16, with regular U21 appearances transpiring, it was never to be for the 26-year-old in England.
It’s no secret that Pulis likes a solid defence, compromised of a physically imposing back four; the opposite of the Scottish champions’ 5.6ft latest No 12.
His raw speed will be the first attribute picked up by watching him. Always looking for an opportunity to break forward, not many will be able to catch the defender in full flight.
He should provide much more directness than Mikael Lustig in their area, working best when employed as far up the pitch as possible — clearly evident in Brazil, 2014. With the exciting Patrick Roberts just ahead of Gamboa, the pair could make a devastating right wing combination.
Celtic supporters love a player that shows commitment and seems to adore everything about their club. Gamboa has the makings to be one of them, following in the footsteps of another Central American defender at Parkhead, Emilio Izaguirre.
At the end of a League Cup tie against Bournemouth, settled by a last minute winner, one of the standout performers Gamboa was more visibly upset than anyone after being eliminated from the competition.
It wouldn’t have been a surprise to see him make a scene following the rough last few years he has to endure, though keeping his head down and maintaining fitness has produced a huge chance to rejuvenate his career under Brendan Rodgers, who clearly has faith in him.
The Celtic manager looks to have kickstarted many of his new players with another summer signing Scott Sinclair getting back to his best, and captain Scott Brown and James Forrest both looking much more self-assured.
You wouldn’t bet against Gamboa replicating their upswing as the Old Firm in Scotland’s top tier returns for good.
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