Celtic Need More Than a New Manager — January Could Be Our Most Important Transfer Window in Years

If Sunday’s defeat to Falkirk has taught us anything, it is that Celtic have problems running throughout the squad.

We can debate Martin O’Neill’s future, question his tactics and discuss whether a managerial change is necessary. But there is another uncomfortable truth: whoever is sitting in the Celtic dugout next season will inherit a squad that needs serious attention.

January cannot be another transfer window where we spend months discussing targets, miss out on our first choices and settle for alternatives who do not address the problems.

We need a proper rebuild.

Central midfield has to be the priority.

Callum McGregor cannot continue being expected to hold everything together without the right support around him.

We lack the physicality, athleticism and defensive protection required in the middle of the park. Too often, opposition teams are able to bypass our midfield and attack our defence far too easily.

Gvidas Gineitis is a name that has already been discussed in connection with Celtic. Reports have suggested he could remain a target after a potential summer move failed to materialise, although any January deal would depend on Torino’s demands.

That is the sort of profile we should be looking at: someone who can compete physically, cover ground and give McGregor greater freedom.

We also need to address our defensive options.

Cameron Carter-Vickers has been an important player, but we cannot keep relying on him without bringing in another centre-back capable of competing for a starting position. We need someone who can organise the defence, deal with physical forwards and provide consistency.

At full-back, we need to consider whether we have enough quality and depth to compete across multiple competitions.

Then there is the problem out wide.

Why are we still trying to fit players into positions that do not suit them?

We have seen the difference natural wingers can make when Jota and Haissem Hassan are involved. We need more players who can take opponents on, stretch defences and create opportunities rather than constantly moving attackers into unfamiliar roles.

Fares Ghedjemis has been discussed as a potential target, with previous reports linking Celtic to the Frosinone winger. He is an example of the type of direct attacking profile we should be considering.

But recruitment cannot simply be about collecting names.

We need a clear plan for what the team should look like, what style of football we want to play and which profiles are required to deliver it.

That is where the board must take responsibility.

The January window is notoriously difficult, and we should not expect every problem to be solved in one month. However, the scouting work should already be underway. We should have alternative targets, realistic valuations and a clear understanding of which players need to leave.

The biggest mistake would be appointing a new manager and expecting him to work miracles with the same unbalanced squad.

Celtic have the resources to plan properly. We should not be waiting until the final days of January before deciding which positions need strengthening.

This is about more than rescuing the current season.

We need to build a team capable of competing in Scotland, making an impact in Europe and giving supporters something to believe in again.

January could be the start of that process.

But if the board gets it wrong again, we will simply be having the same conversation in six months.