Celtic’s transfer window activity exploded on Tuesday with several deals close to being completed both in and out of the club. Manager Martin O’Neill stated that the club were still looking for several new additions after last week’s disappointing collapse in Austria.
With the Scottish transfer window open till Thursday, here are the deals supposedly taking place.
1. Oliver Sørensen - It’s official
Celtic announced the signing of 24 year old Danish midfielder Oliver Sørensen from Italian side Parma this afternoon. Crucially, the club announced his arrival as a season long loan with an option to buy. Manager Martin O’Neill described Sørensen as being full of energy and stated that he can play a number of positions for the club. Deal confirmed.
2. Joel van den Berg - arrives in Glasgow
Celtic are supposedly close to announcing a deal for PSV youngster Joel van den Berg. The 19 year old arrived in Glasgow at the same time as Sørensen last night. Celtic are reportedly paying £3.4 million to bring the young midfielder to the Scottish Champions.
3. Gvidas Gineitis - Celtic make new offer
Celtic have reportedly made a new offer for the Lithuanian central midfielder after it looked like they had moved on to other targets. Now a new offer for the 22 year old could be enough to bring the Torino man to Celtic Park. It’s possible a fee of around £8 million could be enough to complete a deal Wednesday.
4. Shim Mheuka - Arrives in Glasgow
Chelsea youth striker Shim Mheuka has arrived in Glasgow after completing a medical today in London. The Premier League 2 Player of the Year has agreed a one season loan with no option to buy. Celtic will likely announce his arrival on Wednesday. The Chelsea striker scored an impressive 18 goals in 19 games in last season’s Premier League 2 campaign.
TL- Celtic were not expected to be in the market for another striker. However the Chelsea forward’s record is hard to ignore and will be a welcome addition to the front line for Celtic boss Martin O’Neill.
5. Sam Johnstone - Arrives at Lennoxtown
It’s being reported that Sam Johnstone arrived at Lennoxtown today ahead of a season long loan from English Championship side Wolves. Celtic have been in the market for a goalkeeper to challenge Sinisalo after the departure of experienced keeper Kasper Schmeichel. Deal not announced yet but it’s expected he’ll be confirmed as a Celtic player shortly.
6. Landon Emenalo - Club yet to announce
Fans have been waiting for Celtic to confirm the loan signing of Chelsea fullback Emenalo for several weeks. Celtic have yet to announce the cover for Kieran Tierney despite the youngster being shown round Lennoxtown weeks ago. Sky Sports say they expect Celtic to formally announce the deal shortly. Another straight loan with no option to buy.
7. Justin Devenny — Celtic look set to miss out
Celtic had been linked with a move for the Crystal Palace midfielder Justin Devenny in recent days. Despite Celtic’s interest in a loan deal, the Scottish born player has completed a move to English Championship side Stoke City.
8. Johnny Kenny - Signs for Preston North End
Celtic striker Johnny Kenny is one player who looks to have left the club on a permanent deal late in the window. Despite saying he wanted to stay and fight for his position at the club, Celtic accepted a bid of around £3million for Kenny from Championship club Preston North End on the last day of the transfer window. Deal confirmed.
9. Reo Hatate - Leaves Celtic for Burnley
Celtic have confirmed Hatate has left the club on a permanent deal to Championship side Burnley.
What happens next?
Celtic’s transfer window doesn’t close till Thursday 5th September. However, any signing they want part of the Europa League squad needs to be in before the squad announcement Wednesday night.
It’s expected that Celtic could announce another five or six deals tomorrow, with several being on loan. Whether Martin O’Neill has the quality he wanted when the window closes is yet to be seen.
Many fans will be asking the question they ask every year. Why leave it so late to complete the transfer business?
All views expressed on Celtic DNA are personal opinions and are for commentary and discussion purposes only
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