There were so many concerns about the shape of Celtic‘s squad heading into the new campaign. There were even fan protests against the board as business slowed at the start of the window.
However, after four signings, three wins from three, ten goals scored and just one conceded, those doubts have been laid to rest in emphatic fashion.
|
Celtic signings 26/27 |
Position |
From |
Description |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Kasper Høgh |
Striker |
Bodø/Glimt |
Clinical Danish forward signed to add goals and a strong physical presence to Celtic’s attack. |
|
Camilo Duran |
Striker |
Qarabağ |
Young Colombian striker who offers pace, movement and another option through the middle. |
|
Haissem Hassan |
Winger |
Real Oviedo |
Direct, skilful winger capable of creating chances and playing across the frontline. |
|
Mika Baur |
Midfielder |
Paderborn |
Energetic midfielder who can operate centrally or in wider areas, adding creativity and work rate. |
The Bhoys left things late, but the arrivals of Kasper Hogh, Haissem Hassan, Camilo Duran and Mika Bauer represent solid business, which could yet feature the addition of another impressive star.
Even after such an impressive start, the Scottish giants have still got their sights on a goalkeeper and could sign Blackburn Rovers No.1 Balazs Toth.
The shot-stopper was voted Blackburn’s Players’ Player of the Season last time out and it was certainly well deserved. As the club avoided the drop by just five points, it was often Toth who was hailed as a big moments player – keeping eight clean sheets and making almost three saves per game in the Championship
“I can see why he’s number one for his country. He’s played extremely well in the period I’ve been here. He is capable of making big saves at key moments of the game. Top goalkeepers do that. He has those traits.” – Ex-Blackburn manager Michael O’Neill
It’s fair to say that the Hungarian has earned the interest from Celtic. Whether that interest turns into a late move to Scotland remains the big question, however.
Celtic in ‘talks’ to sign Balazs Toth
As reported by Sky Sports’ Anthony Joseph, Celtic are now in ‘talks’ to sign Toth from Blackburn. The Bhoys are yet to make an offer, but are in the market for a goalkeeper to provide competition for Viljami Sinisalo.
It remains to be seen whether Toth would accept a backup role or if the Bhoys believe that he could eventually displace their current No.1. With less than two weeks to go until the transfer window slams shut, these are questions that must be answered by the Scottish giants if they pursue a deal.
|
League stats 25/26 |
Sinisalo |
Toth |
|---|---|---|
|
Games |
12 |
34 |
|
Clean sheets |
1 |
8 |
|
Saves per 90 |
1.92 |
2.85 |
|
Save percentage |
60.5% |
69.3% |
|
Pass accuracy |
78.5% |
51.4% |
Whilst it’s clear that Toth needs to work on his ability in possession, the key numbers suggest that he would be an instant upgrade on Sinisalo at Celtic.
The Blackburn man made almost one more save per 90 than the Celtic star last season and enjoyed a far better save percentage. At the right price, the Bhoys should jump at the chance to welcome an immediate upgrade before the end of the month.
It could leave Toth with a big decision to make just months after he won Blackburn’s Players’ Player of the Season award.
