Another transfer window is rapidly approaching and football fans across the continent are considering what can be done to improve their squads ahead of a frantic second half of the season.
For Celtic it’s an opportunity to address some deficiencies in an already talented squad. There’s no need for wholesale changes when they continue to dominate the domestic action in Scotland. However, if they’re to ever reach a level in Europe that matches their ambition, adding quality in select areas could really complete the puzzle.
Two positions they could do with reinforcements in is at left wing and right wing. While both Scott Sinclair and James Forrest have been in excellent scoring form so far this term, adding competition for both could ensure they don’t become complacent and see a dip in form.
With Patrick Roberts ruled out for months and currently recovering from injury back at his parent club, Forrest doesn’t have a natural right-sided player push him for first team places. Sinclair is backed up by Jonny Hayes, but he’s not really made much of an impact since arriving from Aberdeen in the Summer.
Here are THREE wingers that could provide a real spark to the wide areas in January…
Patrick Twumasi
Patrick Twumasi should be well known to Celtic supporters, having scored against the club twice this season during UEFA Champions League qualifying. He was a constant threat to the Hoops and although Brendan Rodgers’ side eventually got the job done against Astana, the Ghanaian international certainly gave them a scare.
That kind of performance has not been isolation, scoring 23 goals for the Kazakh champions in all competitions in 2017, including a fantastic nine goals in European competition, with Astana having a real shot of qualifying from their Europa League group.
It’s a contribution that could really enhance Celtic’s attacking prospects in the new year and while he wouldn’t be able to feature in the knockout stages of the Europa League due to being cup tied, in seasons ahead he could be a real performer at that level.
Able to play on the right or left wing too, he could become a key part of the squad, with the Celtic manager rotating often.
Lewis Morgan
Lewis Morgan is one of the brightest young Scottish prospects in the country and has played a key part in St Mirren’s successful season so far, a team that is pushing for promotion places in the Scottish Championship.
With 10 goals and eight assists so far in all competitions, he’s showing consistency with his attacking contribution and has a pace and attitude that should see him fit right in to life at Celtic.
His contract runs out at the end of the season and signing him in January and loaning him back to St Mirren could be a great option, with a view to bedding him in to his Celtic career next summer.
Still just 21, he has a bright future ahead of him and would learn a lot working under Brendan Rodgers and his coaches.
Charly Musonda
Charly Musonda is a Chelsea player who is badly in need of regular first team action, but isn’t getting the opportunities at Stamford Bridge.
Talented enough to be a part of Antonio Conte’s title-defending senior squad, his starts this season have been limited to the English League Cup, where he impressed against Nottingham Forest and Everton, scoring in one and assisting in the other. He has also appeared as a substitute in the Premier League against Burnley and Crystal Palace this term.
Crucially for Celtic he’s a player who has already has a taste of regular senior action, spending a year on loan at La Liga side Real Betis.
Given Patrick Roberts’ injury issues, which could see him out of action into March of next year, a loan move for the Blues attacking midfielder could be the perfect short-term solution, on a budget.
