Celtic’s flag day thrashing of Kilmarnock extends their scoring spree of scoring four or more goals in a game, to five. After the Hoops started their preseason with a 1-1 draw with Ayr United they’ve recorded wins against Queen’s Park, D.C United, Manchester City, Chelsea and Kilmarnock scoring 22 goals in the process.
Preseason, the opening day results and what’s going on across the city would makes Celtic the early favourites in this season’s championship race but if the squad isn’t further strengthened yet another European disappointment is likely on the horizon as well as a later season collapse. In a few positions Celtic are just an injury or suspension away from being without a player natural to the role.
Almost eight weeks into the transfer window, Kyogo is now the only recognised striker at Parkhead. Celtic made their money back on South Korean striker Hyun-Gyu Oh after one and a half unfulfilled seasons in the Hoops. Adam Idah’s six-month loan contract expired meaning he returned to Norwich City after a pleasantly surprising period for fans who have made their love for the player shown, which has been mirrored by the Irishman. Despite a deal for the striker looking the best move for all parties, the Canaries and their manager Johannes Hoff Thorup are proving a difficult nut to crack valuing Idah at £7.5 million. Surely, Celtic will sign a striker before the transfer window shuts in three weeks or so but whether that will be the man so important to Celtic’s league and cup double charge is still to remain.
Striker isn’t the only position Celtic are short in numbers, with Greg Taylor being the club’s only first-team left-back. Taylor has improved his reputation at Celtic Park after a tough start to his Celtic career but relying on him as the only option would leave a lot of fans uneasy. After the Alexandro Bernabei experiment failed and with the Argentine out on loan it leaves Celtic with no option but to find a replacement. Wolves left-back Hugo Bueno has emerged as the club’s top target. The Spaniard started seven Premier League games for the Wanderers last season while making 22 appearances. The Midlands club have stated Bueno is ‘important to their plans’ which may see Celtic look elsewhere.
Celtic need to strengthen in other areas including left of central defence and with the addition of a winger. Unlike the previous areas mentioned these come more as luxuries rather than necessities but if Celtic want to compete in this season’s Champions League, these problems will need to be addressed. Celtic may also have to look for a Matt O’Riley replacement if the club cashes in for the windfall of the Danish international although selling is no where near a must.
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