Celtic have made a strong start to their domestic season despite the LASK disappointment in the UEFA Champions League. The pressure on the club and its higher ups after being sent to the wire by Hearts last season is still there, and after coming under criticism for signings in a previous window, the Hoops went one better and signed six of their 10 summer additions in the last day of the transfer window. They left it late, gave things time to settle out, but will it work?
We’ll look at all six of the final incomings and look at how they’ve started, what they added, and if they will be able to continue this strong start to the Scottish Premier League. Â
Shim Mheuka
Spurred on mostly by injuries, Chelsea academy striker Shim Mheuka was brought in on loan on the final day of the window. The attacker has experience in the Europa Conference League but has largely been absent from the senior squad in favour of playing at Premier League 2 level.
There is obvious talent there, the youngster has scored goals aplenty at youth level with 25 for the U21s and 16 for the U18 side to his name. But, the failure to play any senior football will make for a difficult adjustment to the top division of Scottish football and he may end up recalled in January if injuries to key strikers have healed by then.
Landon Emenalo
Another young player signed on loan from Chelse, Landon Emenalo is a left-back who can provide some rest for Kieran Tierney through the long and gruelling season as the team aims to compete on many fronts. Emenalo is currently injured and will need to be rehabbed to full health but his recovery will provide something different.
He featured for the Blues in pre-season and occupied the kind of inverted spaces that Marc Cucurella used to, he could offer an X-factor on the left that could break down a team late in the game. And if you aren’t looking at an X-factor, there is always VIP casino programme to study when the match isn’t on.
Sam Johnstone
One thing about Celtic, they love to find value in veteran goalkeepers. Whether it was Joe Hart or Kasper Schmeichel, they are able to see the ability in Premier League veterans and give them a late chance to add some silverware at Celtic Park. Sam Johnstone is the latest in that line following the relegation of Wolves from the top division.
The 33-year-old will offer high-level, reliable goalkeeping that fans have grown accustomed to and could be an easy addition on a permanent deal next year.
Joel Van Den Berg
Teenager Joel van den Berg joined from PSV on a cheap deal which could pay off given his age. At just 19, he has impressed at youth level for the Netherlands, being captain of their U19 setup. He has yet to feature but could add some depth when fixtures pile up.
Oliver Sorensen
Another loan signing, Oliver Sorensen joined from Parma to add to the midfield rotation, he has already played three times with his impressive passing range allowing him to move forward and get the ball in advances areas to cause problems. He has yet to put up real numbers but his expected assist per 90 are strong and will eventually pay off with some goal contributions.
Jordan Lotomba
A necessary late arrival, Jordan Lotomba is a right-back who can add to one of the problem spots for the side. Alistair Johnston is a great servant to the side but his muscular issues cropping up were a warning sign to get him a deputy. Lotomba will get some game time in a key area for the team and brings years of experience at clubs like Nice, Young Boys, and Feyenoord.
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