With the curtains closing on another transfer window Celtic's incomings and outgoing have split opinion amongst the support. Whilst the number of players brought in has been substantial, it remains to be seen whether the new signings will immediately strengthen the first XI.
Starting with the backline, the general consensus was that a new goalkeeper and left back would be needed in order to progress to the next level, neither have been brought in. The centre back positions have been bolstered significantly however (barring the current mini injury crisis that no one could have foresaw) and we will have a number of different options there throughout the season. Carl Starfelt leaving has been countered by bringing in Nat Phillips on loan, Gustaf Lagerbielke and Maik Nawrocki permanently and most importantly ensuring that Cameron Carter Vickers remains at the club.
In the midfield, it looks like the number of games Callum Mcgregor has been playing has took its toll at the start of this season, but I certainly would not be ruling out the chance of him shifting up the gears again. With Thiago Holm, O'Riley, Hatate and Bernardo in the squad now we should hopefully enjoy a degree of fluidity in our selection.
Jota leaving left a gaping hole in terms of Celtic's goal contributions from last season. His replacement is Luis Palma from the Greek league, signed for around £3.5 million. In isolation, he looks like a promising signing who may indeed come good. He is however untried in European competition and it can't be said for certain whether he is an upgrade on Jota. Given the fee we received for the Portuguese winger I would have expected slightly more ambitious dealings in the final third of the field, whether that had been an extra winger or further fire power up front.
Overall, the transfer window has been slightly disappointing. The players we have brought in have large amounts of promise and the potentiality for high sell on value, however that seems to follow the blue print of all of our previous transfer windows. The model has undoubtedly been highly successful in domestic competition but in terms of European games, it has been hit and miss to put it mildly.
Jota was bought for around £7 million and sold for 25, Kieran Tierney was brought through the youth ranks and sold for £25 million, Moussa Dembele was similar...at what point do the Celtic board pull the trigger to regularly sign players of slightly higher value and proven pedigree?
If Luis Palma comes good for example, which I suspect has every chance of happening, will we simply sell on for profit and then look for the next prodigy? At what point do we look to move forward as a club?
With the game at Ibrox looming, it really has came at the worst time for our new recruits. Nat Phillips is said to be injured and that leaves Lagerbiekle as the only recognised centre back. With such a disjointed defence it really would be a surprise if we walk away with any points, although it certainly will not be indicative of our season.
The game will be a baptism of fire which may in itself be a blessing in disguise. With a mixture of experience and new blood settling in, hopefully we can catch a transitional Rangers by surprise. They are certainly not firing on all cylinders at present either and will feel the added pressure of being favourites, fairly unfamiliar territory for them against Celtic in recent years.