6 Players That Celtic Could Sign In January
Like most of the clubs in the world, Celtic do not do much business in the January transfer window, especially after signing ten players on a permanent basis, in the summer transfer window. But even after signing those 10 players, the squad is not as balanced as it should be and a few injuries have also added to that problem.
Ange Postecoglou revealed recently that Celtic are “looking to strengthen the squad” in January. Celtic are in need of at least one player in all three areas of the pitch; defence, midfield and attack. Celtic are targeting multiple fullbacks, midfielders and one or two forwards that could match the level of form Kyogo Furuhashi has been since joining Celtic.
Celtic had a net transfer benefit of almost £20 million in 2021, and their most recent annual accounts recording cash in the bank of £16.6 million, this means that there should be enough money available for some good signings. So, let’s see look at 6 players that Celtic could sign in the January transfer window.
6. Daizen Maeda
Ange Postecoglou, during his time at Yokohama F. Marinos, has already managed Daizen Maeda. This makes it very likely that he will be at Parkhead next season, playing under his former boss. He has been linked with the Bhoys for some time. The Japanese is in exceptional form, scoring goals week in and week out, making him the top scorer of the J1 league.
His pace is his most impressive trait, he can finish with great efficiency, with both his feet and his movement inside the box is also excellent. The Japanese club football season ends before January, which makes it preferable to sign players from the J1 league. Celtic fans would be more than happy if the club successfully lands the player this January.
5. Reo Hatate
Hatate has been linked up with Celtic for quite a while now. He is a versatile player who can play as a midfielder, as well as, at both wings and as a left-back. Reo’s contract is expiring this January with Kawasaki Frontale, which makes it an ideal situation for Postecoglou to sign him and increase the depth of his squad.
Japanese outlets are reporting that an initial agreement has been reached between the two clubs. Reo also seems keen to join his countrymate Kyogo to play at a bigger stage. Hatate plays as an attacking full-back and covers a lot of ground. He would be very suitable for this Celtic team.
4. Josh Doig
With Celtic facing issues with not having much experience at the left-back position and having lost their first-choice left-back Greg Taylor due to injury, it seems that signing a left-back should be their utmost priority. So, in pursuit, they are targeting the Championship rivals Hibernians’ Josh Doig who has been playing exceptionally for Hibbs.
The £5 million rated full-back would be a decent addition to the squad, making it a more balanced squad. He is a good prospect and could be sold at a lot higher price somewhere down the line. Former Celtic player Charlie Nicholas said that Josh Doig should be Celtic’s top transfer target. Tam McManus said, “Josh Doig is Hibs £5m man and I’d be amazed if Celtic weren’t still in the hunt”.