6 more targets in Celtic’s sights, but will the transfer movement now cool until after next Wednesday’s crucial CL qualifier?

Last night, the Ibrox side were knocked out of the Europa League, and relegated to a Europa Conference League play off against Jablonec, a side Celtic faced in a EL qualifier back in 2021.

Why is this significant?

Well, because everything we seem to be doing at the moment is the polar opposite to what’s going on over at Ibrox.

There is a feeling of utter despair and misery over there.

While with each passing day, the optimism and the feel good factor seems to grow at Celtic.

Over 3 weeks ago on the 20th of July, I read the below text message out live on the Trinity Tims podcast:

We had no idea who it came from on the night.

But I think it’s safe to say that whoever got that info was bang on the money.

Or should I say, whoever leakes that info?

Was it leaked from within Celtic Park for a reason?

If so, it would look suspiciously like there was an actual transfer plan in place…

Now, you will note that were was no time frame given in that message.

On the Trinity Tims, we automatically assumed those transfers were going to happen within a week, as we hoped Joe would poor a pint of water over his head live on the show.

Alas, we were to be disappointed in that regard.

But by the 14th of August, we have not been disappointed.

Because everything laid out in that message has come to pass, with the exception of the acquisition of a goalkeeper.

For a while, Las Palmas no. 1 Dinko Horkas was the man linked with the club, but interest in him seems to have cooled of late.

That’s not to say the deal is dead in the water.

For a while there, we were led to believe that both the Hassan and Baur deals were unlikely, but both of these players are now Celtic players.

So, I wouldn’t be writing off Dinko Horkas just yet.

According to the Record late last night, there are still 6 more deals in the pipe line.

The question is whether transfer activity will cool for a while, now that our Champions League first leg qualifier is just over 5 days away?

We have an tough League Cup tie ahead of us tomorrow evening at Tannadice, and that will be the immediate focus for the manager and his squad right now.

The only disappointed thing amidst all of this positive transfer news is that it looks like the club have agreed to allow Arne Engels to depart the club before the CL qualifier on Wednesday night.

The Sun reported last night that a deal had been reached with West Ham to take him to the London Stadium.

What’s seem even stranger is that the agreed fee is £22 million.

Reports seem to vary, while journalist Alan Nixon states that a fee of £25 million, rising to £30 million, has been agreed:

West Ham are going back with a new bid for Celtic midfielder Arne Engels – and will hit the £30 million mark.

Hammers are trying to land Engels after weeks of talks and willing to spend around £25 million in guaranteed money with a heavy promotion bonus.

Celtic may have to reluctantly accept although the Belgian has been in fine form so far. However, the money be too good for them and the wages will tempt the player.

The Glasgow club have already set up a couple of replacements, both based in Europe.

Whatever the case, you would think that Celtic would at least have held out until after Wednesday night?

This may still happen, but we just have to wait and see how things pan out over the coming days.

Gvidas Gineitis seems like Engels’ likely replacement, but we’re facing competition from former Ibrox manager Danny Röhl on this one.

A man, who ironically, Ibrox supporters are now saying should have been given a chance after Del’s flops exited the Europa League last night.

RB Salzburg are reported to be interested in the Lithuanian midfielder, and they recently tabled a bid for him.

But Torino rejected it and stated they wouldn’t accept anything less than £8 million for their player.

The remaining names of interest of the six are, Niko Sigur of Hajduk Split, Ermin Mahmec of Slovan Liberec, Patrik Walemark of Lech Poznan, Hibs midfielder, Miguel Chaiwa, and finally Chelsea’s Landon Emalo.

Of all the above names, Landon Emenalo looks almost certain to sign on a season long loan.

Having already given the 18 year old a tour of Celtic Park, it looks likely that he’ll be brought in as cover for Kieran Tierney.

Celtic seem to be continuing with the policy of bringing in loan signings to cover the left-back position.

Alex Valle covered in the 2024/25 season.

Last season, it was Marcelo Saracchi.

Obviously, we’ve also heard rumours that Greg Taylor could return.

But this seems to have cooled recently.

Overall, it’s been an exciting few days at the club.

It seems like Celtic are acting like a serious club again in the transfer market.

However, at this point, I think need to stop acting, an just be.

After the Ibrox side’s embarrassing EL exit to a club that has never participated in that competition before, optimism is high that Celtic can qualify for the Champions League next week.

It seems that the polar opposite to what’s happening at Ibrox is happening at Celtic Park.

So you have to believe the same will happen when it comes to our CL qualifier.

It’s a good time to be a Celtic supporter again.

But don’t erase from your memory the behaviour of our board up to this point.

They are doing their jobs right now.

You know, the roles they are paid handsomely to fulfil?

They still have quite a way to earn our fill trust.

But for now, I’ll happily take the direction were headed.

Albeit with caution.

Keep yours eyes on the board…

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