Hummels, Rabiot and Matip – 11 free Celtic transfer solutions to problem positions from sensational to sensible
Getting Adam Idah in the door was supposed to give Celtic the cover they craved up front.
But Brendan Rodgers' admission that Kyogo's only option to sort a troublesome shoulder issue could leave them back in the same position they were in before Idah – looking light up front. A left back to compete with Greg Taylor has long been the plan, although that's becoming more pressing now that the Scotland international is in the final year of his deal.
Matt O'Riley has seen both Southampton and Atalanta fail with bids to sign him this summer, although the smart money is someone else trying their luck before the window closes and a replacement will have to be considered. Unwanted centre backs Maik Nawrocki and Gustaf Lagerbielke are proving hard to shift but if Celtic are successful, then another body in that area will be required given the hectic schedule.
What Celtic can afford and what they should be trying pay is a hot topic. They'll bank a £40million Champions League jackpot and by the board's own admission, the Parkhead bank balance is in extremely rude health and "above expectations". That has fans questioning why it took so long to sign Idah when Celtic could go up to £9.5million anyway.
Having cash to burn means punters want the club to be ambitious. And that doesn't necessarily mean transfer fees. As we tick towards the end of the window, the free agent market starts to look more and more appealing with time an issue.
Of course, saving on a fee usually means you'll splash out more on wages. And there are some seriously big names still unattached. Shy boys don't get sweeties and if you don't ask, you'll never know. There are also some far from blockbuster but will fairly useful pickups that could fill gaps in the squad