Celtic’s January transfer window – Overreactions are on steroids

Not replacing Kyogo a risk worth taking 

The Celtic hierarchy not replacing Kyogo during the January transfer window just gone by seems to have generated complete outrage on every platform, website and Celtic-minded outlet going. Apart maybe from this one where it’s a mixed bag of opinions.

Contrary to the narrative, I’m not overly concerned that Celtic did not rush out and buy a striker.

Does Brendan actually need another striker now?

However, does Brendan Rodgers require one at this very minute? I had written a piece in the middle of January for The Celtic Star about how this scenario may play out when Kyogo inevitably left for new environs in France.

For me, it was obvious Kyogo would leave this January transfer window. The changing of agents in August, the murmurings of his disappointment at not securing a summer move – it was just a matter of who he would leave Celtic for. The question then became, is it essential that he is replaced – whether that be a short-term loan or a permanent striker?

Likely to be no more than 20 matches to go this season

With 14 league games to go whilst attaining a healthy 13-point gap at the top of the Scottish Premiership table if Celtic beat Dundee tomorrow night, a maximum four Scottish Cup matches to go and barring mission impossible, two Champions League outings versus German giants Bayern Munich to play, the Hoops will feature in 20 encounters across all competitions from now until May.

Do Celtic supporters not trust Idah and Maeda 

Do Celtic supporters not trust Adam Idah and Daizen Maeda to act as the two frontmen for three months?

Rodgers has spoken often at great lengths of Maeda’s attributes playing in that central striking role. After all, it was Celtic who turned the 27 year-old into a winger!

Maeda was top goalscorer in the J-League

When Ange Postecoglou signed Kyogo from Vissel Kobe in July 2021, Maeda was top goalscorer in the J-League. Indeed, Hajime Moriyasu sees the Japanese forward as a striker – that is why the Japan national team coach played the Celtic star in that position two years ago at the Qatar World Cup.

Allowing Maeda to play centrally as a second striker option also allows Jota to notch up more minutes on the wing and return to those peak physical levels, he acquired prior to his £25m move to Al-Ittihad. Jeffery Schlupp’s utility strengthens Rodgers depth at both left back and on the left hand side of attack.

A huge confidence booster for Idah

It could also be a huge confidence booster for Idah who is now safe in the knowledge that he will be Rodgers’ main man for the remainder of the season. More minutes, and hopefully more goals for the Irishman who up until Villa Park last Wednesday had been devoid of any real conviction since signing for Celtic permanently in the summer.

I’ve seen people online mention Celtic have Champions League qualifiers to play next season and not securing the services of a striker will disrupt any preparation for that money-spinning tie at the beginning of next season. The Hoops won’t play their two-legged affair until the latter stages of August so will have plenty of time to make a no.9 their priority as soon as the summer transfer window opens.

Pressure now falls on Celtic’s ‘football doctor’

Pressure now falls on ‘football doctor’ Paul Tisdale, and the recruitment department to identify what striker they want in the summer and thus, Tisdale and co must deliver. I’d imagine had the Champions League knockout stages draw been a tad kinder [such as a Brest/Feyenoord]and there was a real prospect of last 16 football which would add €11m to the coffers, Celtic may have pushed the boat out and bought a Mathias Kvistgaarden or David Strelec.

Realistically, who were the Scottish champions going to sign in the final few days of the window that would make our chances of beating Bayern any greater than what they already are?

Undoubtedly, there will be much analysis and contempt of Celtic’s hierarchy for not sealing a striker in January. However, it won’t be from me. Rationally, I understand why they opted against signing one and leaving it until the summer.

Conor Spence